Oxygen therapy is usually the first line of treatment, but other non-medical interventions may help, too.

What Is Dyspnea?

Or they might simply say, “I can’t breathe.”

Woman looking at man wearing oxygen mask

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Patients experiencing dyspnea might take a stab at increase the rate of their breathing or the tidal volume.

What Are the Causes of Dyspnea?

There are many causes of dyspnea in end-of-life situations.

Typically, several factors can contribute to a terminally ill patient experiencing dyspnea.

Because breathing is something we generally take for granted, individuals experiencing dyspnea often experience heightened anxiety.

What Other Breathing Changes Happen Before Death?

Dyspnea isn’t the only breathing change you might notice in a person nearing the end of life.

There is no settimeline for actively dying.

Some people go through the process quickly, while others may take days or even weeks.

The doctor or a nurse will guide you in the best treatment to provide comfort.

Dyspnea may be managed with oxygen or with medications that help control the anxiety associated with it.

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National Cancer Institute.Death rattle.

What should I do?

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Cambridge Core.Energy surge: A deathbed phenomenon that matters.

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