Non-Pharmacological Breathlessness Management in Older Patients: A Review Study

Abstract

Background: Breathlessness is a multifactorial problem caused by multiple pathways and thus lends itself to a range of interventions, each targeting a specific mechanism. For a start, the aging process affects respiratory function and decreases lung elasticity and respiratory muscle strength, which results in forced vital capacity reduction. Moreover, many conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, can cause breathlessness. There is no single intervention to relieve breathlessness, particularly when we are dealing with chronic refractory breathlessness. This study aimed at conducting a review of studies on non-pharmacological breathlessness management in older patients.