Treatment of shortness of breath carried out depending on the cause of the syndrome.
For bronchial obstruction the following is prescribed:
- bronchodilators (beta2-adrenergic receptor agonists, anticholinergics, theophylline and its derivatives):
- anti-inflammatory drugs (for asthma and possibly obstructive bronchitis);
- expectorants:
- oxygen therapy (for hypoxemia).
Oxygen is indicated not only for bronchial obstruction, but also for other diseases accompanied by hypoxemia. There is evidence that long-term oxygen therapy can reduce mortality in patients with COPD.
In case of emphysema, surgical reduction of lung volume (removal of the least functional part of the parenchyma) is possible.
Treatment of shortness of breath in heart failure involves prescribing:
- cardiac glycosides;
- diuretics;
- oxygen therapies.
In patients with cancer or end-stage pulmonary diseases, opiates and anxiolytics can reduce dyspnea.
For restrictive diseases, you can get rid of shortness of breath using the method of continuous positive pressure (using a sealed mask and an air flow generator).
Treatment of chronic hypercapnia is carried out using non-invasive ventilation. This method reduces hypercapnia and hypoxemia, relieves the respiratory muscles, and restores the sensitivity of the respiratory center.
Drug treatment of shortness of breath of a psychogenic nature consists of prescribing psychotropic drugs.