Managing Shortness of Breath For People With Cancer

What is shortness of breath?

Shortness of breath feels different to different people. It can cause:   

• discomfort when breathing
• feeling like you cannot get enough air into your body with each breath
• shallow, fast breathing
• feeling scared, anxious or nervous

When should I contact my health care team?

It is important to tell your health care team if you are having any shortness of breath as the symptom has many causes.

Go to your nearest emergency department or call 911 if your shortness of breath suddenly gets worse or if you cannot breathe.

If you visit the emergency department, let your cancer team know.

What can I do to manage my shortness of breath?

Your health care team may tell you that your shortness of breath is ongoing and can be managed at home. Review these positions and exercises and talk to your health care team about how to use them.

Try breathing and relaxation exercises

Breathing exercises can help you avoid becoming short of breath and recover when you are having trouble breathing. 

Abdominal (belly) breathing can be used to develop breathing control and to relax when you feel nervous. 

Use belly breathing:

• before and after doing an activity
• while walking up hills or climbing stairs
• while moving from sitting to standing up

Practice your belly breathing 3 times a day so you are comfortable when you need to use it.

Recovery or rescue breathing can be done to help you regain control of your breath any time you feel breathless or panicky.

Practice your recovery breathing so that you know what to do if you become breathless. You can practice it while sitting, standing or lying down.

Relaxation exercises can help you to slow your breathing and make each breath more effective.

Save energy using the 3P’s: Plan, Pace and Position

Saving energy can help you avoid becoming short of breath.

Plan

Plan ahead to save energy when doing your activities and in your living space. 

Plan your space:

• Keep items you use often close to you (like your phone, Kleenex or a book).
• Have a chair ready so you can sit down when doing chores or getting dressed.
• Plan to keep the things you use regularly on 1 floor in easy to reach places.
• Only climb stairs when you need to. You may choose to set up the main floor of your home as your living and sleeping area. If you need to climb stairs:
  • Stand close to the stair with one hand on the railing beside you.
  • Breathe in as you lift your leg up.
  • Breathe out as you place your leg on the step and push yourself up.

Plan to have energy-saving devices ready:

• Try using walking aids (like handrails, grab bars, a cane or walker).
• Use “reachers” for grabbing things and rolling carts for moving objects around.
• Avoid carrying things you do not need, ask for help with heavy lifting or use devices to make lifting easier (like a cart or dolly).
• Try using equipment to make showering or bathing easier (like a grab bar, shower chair, bath board or bench).

Pace

Pace yourself when doing activities such as exercise and eating.

When doing activities:

• Rest before you get short of breath and take as many breaks as you need to.
• Break your activities into smaller steps.
• Do your activities slowly and comfortably.
• Stop to catch your breath when talking with others.

When eating:

• Try eating smaller meals more often.
• Chew your food slowly and take breaks between bites.

When exercising:

• Take it slow and use abdominal breathing when exercising.
• Increase the amount of exercise you do little by little.
• Talk to your healthcare team about exercises and activities that may be best for you.

Position your body so that it is easier to breathe

Find positions that make it easier for you to breathe when you are lying down, sitting and standing.

Move to a different position to help you breathe if you start to struggle. For example, move to sitting if you are standing.

When laying down: Position your head higher than your legs by making a slope with a foam wedge in between your box-spring and mattress, or by lying on your side on top of 3 or 4 pillows.

When sitting: Sit and lean forward. Rest your forearms on your thighs with your wrists relaxed and your feet on the floor. You may also use a reclining chair with a footrest when you are sitting.

When standing: Lean against a wall for support with your chin slightly dropped towards your chest. Relax your shoulders with your arms hanging loosely by your sides.

A standing or sitting position may be more comfortable during sexual activity with your partner.

More ways to help avoid shortness of breath

When showering or bathing:

• Keep the water lukewarm and use a fan or open a window to let out steam.
• When having a bath, keep the water shallow.
• When showering, position the water away from your face.

Monitor your environment and how you are feeling:

• Open a window to get fresh air or have a fan blow air on your face to make breathing easier.
• Stay inside when the weather is very hot or cold, or when the air quality is poor.
• Place a cool, damp cloth on your forehead and upper cheeks when you feel breathless.
• Avoid things that make your shortness of breath worse, like perfume, allergens (such as pets or pollen) and smoking.

Where to Get More Information

The Canadian Cancer Society is a trusted source of information. Visit them at cancer.ca or phone 1-888-939-3333.

For Ontario Health guides to help manage other symptoms, please see Managing Symptoms, Side Effects & Well-Being.