Medications for Shortness of Breath in Hospice Care: A Guide

Morphine

- Morphine is a potent opioid analgesic that can be used to relieve severe dyspnea in hospice patients.

- It is typically administered orally, but can also be given intravenously, subcutaneously, or transdermally.

Hydromorphone

- Hydromorphone is another potent opioid analgesic that is similar to morphine.

- It is often used in hospice patients when they have a history of renal or hepatic impairment, or when they are unable to tolerate morphine.

Fentanyl

- Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid analgesic that is more potent than morphine.

- It is typically used in hospice patients who are experiencing severe dyspnea and who have not responded to other opioids.

Midazolam

- Midazolam is a benzodiazepine that can be used to provide anxiolysis and sedation in hospice patients who are experiencing severe dyspnea.

- It is typically given orally, but can also be given intravenously.

Lorazepam

- Lorazepam is another benzodiazepine that can be used for anxiolysis and sedation in hospice patients.

- It is typically given orally, but can also be given intravenously.

Oxygen therapy

- Oxygen therapy can be used to improve oxygenation and relieve dyspnea in hospice patients.

- It is typically administered via nasal cannula or oxygen mask.

Nebulized medications

- Nebulized medications can be used to deliver medications directly to the lungs.

- They can be used to relieve dyspnea, bronchospasm, and other respiratory symptoms.

Chest physiotherapy

- Chest physiotherapy can help to clear secretions from the lungs and improve oxygenation.

- It may be helpful for hospice patients who are experiencing dyspnea due to pulmonary congestion or atelectasis.