Jeremy reviews some non-pharmacological strategies that he can implement to support Mr. Beljnar's dyspnea:
Help the person to conserve their energy. This may include taking rest breaks in a chair when walking around the house, using a shower chair and a 4-wheeled walker to conserve energy.
When supporting a person with their care, avoid rushing them. Take time and offer frequent rest breaks.
Assist the person with repositioning. Often, a seated position, leaning slightly forward with the support of pillows, will be the most comfortable.
Ensure the environment is calm. Consider opening the blinds, windows, or doors to provide fresh air.
Sit next to the person, offer a hand, and speak slowly and gently to support a calming environment.
Offer a fan and a cool cloth to the side of the person’s face to help with comfort. Did you know that this works by stimulating the trigeminal nerve to help reduce the sensation of breathlessness within the brain?
Remind the person about pursed-lip breathing (if this is a strategy that works for them). With this type of breathing the person breathes in through their nose and then gently out through their mouth with their lips pursed.
You may also be asked to assist the person with their prescribed medications such as puffers, oxygen, or opioids to help with their breathing.
(BC Centre for Palliative Care, 2017, p. 5-7)
Visit B.C. Inter-Professional Palliative Symptom Management Guidelines [New tab PDF] to learn more about evidence-informed non-pharmacological strategies to support a person with dyspnea. |