Non-pharmacological interventions for breathlessness in advanced stages of malignant and non-malignant diseases

Contributions of a hand-held fan to self-management of chronic breathlessness

“…A range of nonpharmacological strategies are available, with variable evidence to support their use [8][9][10][11]. Among other strategies, a hand-held fan ("fan") has been recommended for managing acute exacerbations of breathlessness ("breathlessness crises") by the American Thoracic Society [12].…”

Evidence-based intervention for chronic refractory breathlessness: practical therapies that make a difference

“…2 Breaking the cycle of deconditioning is an important element, confirmed by other trials of pulmonary rehabilitation and exercise. Tailoring the relevant non-pharmacological interventions to each patient's needs is still poorly defined in the literature but access to multidisciplinary team members such as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist with an interest in respiratory disorders is likely to be beneficial.…”

Dyspnea Management in Patients with Cancer

“…In addition, these exercise programs are thought to be effective for cancer patients with dyspnea. [27,28] [33,34] Room air and oxygen therapy were compared in a study conducted with 31 patients with lung cancer or other metastatic cancer, and stated that there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of dyspnea. [35] In another randomized controlled study conducted with 12 patients with lung cancer and dyspnea, half of participants walked with oxygen-enriched air and the other half with medical air.…”