American Thoracic Society Guidelines for the treatment of dyspnea

* Treat underlying disease includes anemia, pleural effusions, congestive heart failure, reversible airway obstruction, hypoxemia, main stem bronchial compression or obstruction.
¶ Treat psychosocial factors: For anxiety, use relaxation techniques, distraction, activity modifications, behavior modifications, and breathing strategies. For depression, use cognitive therapy, antidepressants, or a combination of both.
Δ Pulmonary rehabilitation includes exercise training, psychosocial support, nutritional therapy, and self-management education, including breathing strategies, use of supplemental oxygen, pharmacologic therapy (to relieve airways obstruction), and panic control.
◊ Evidence indicates that they do not cause premature death in end-of-life patients when titrated to relieve pain or dyspnea.