Shortness of Breath or Dyspnea

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2023

Feeling "short of breath" is a common way to describe difficulty breathing. Shortness of breath is a common cancer symptom. People with any stage of cancer may experience shortness of breath for a variety of reasons. The medical term for shortness of breath is dyspnea.

Being short of breath or dyspnea can make you feel:

  • Uncomfortable when you breathe

  • Like you cannot get a full breath, or have to take more breaths to get enough air

  • Like you never get enough air

  • As if you are smothering, drowning, or suffocating

  • Like your chest is tight

Treating and relieving side effects like shortness of breath is an important part of cancer care and treatment. This is called palliative and supportive care. Talk with your health care team about any symptoms you have, including new symptoms or changes in how you feel.

What causes shortness of breath during cancer?

You may feel short of breath even if there is a normal amount of oxygen in your bloodstream. Tell your health care team right away if you have any of the symptoms described listed above or if your breathing gets worse. Your health care team will want to learn more about your symptoms so they can find the cause of your shortness of breath.

It is important to understand that people do not suffocate or die from being short of breath. However, shortness of breath can affect people's daily lives and it can be upsetting. There is also a chance it can be a sign of a more serious problem that needs medical attention.

To learn more about your symptoms, your health care team will:

  • Review your medical history

  • Ask you to describe your symptoms and what makes them worse

Shortness of breath may be caused by a tumor or another condition related to cancer. But many of these causes can be treated. Some common causes of shortness of breath include:

A blood clot is a serious condition that needs treatment right away. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of a blood clot.

Shortness of breath in people with cancer

For people with cancer, identifying and managing shortness of breath is an important part of care. At each of your appointments, a member of your health care team will evaluate you for shortness of breath by asking you questions and monitoring your breathing and overall health.

If you are experiencing shortness of breath, your health care provider will also want to evaluate the symptom's severity. They will ask you questions to find out how long it has lasted, what is causing it, what triggers it, and ask about any other symptoms that may be associated with it. They will also see if shortness of breath is affecting your day-to-day activities and emotions. Anyone who has shortness of breath may be referred to see another medical specialty team, such as a lung specialist (pulmonologist) and/or a palliative and supportive care team.

If you have shortness of breath, your health care provider will talk with you about treatment options based on your preferences and overall health. If the cancer itself is causing your shortness of breath, further treatment to remove or reduce cancer may be recommended as part of your overall care plan.

Your provider may also recommend strategies to help improve airflow, such as directing a fan at your cheek or sitting in front of a fan. If the levels of oxygen in your blood are low, you may need supplemental oxygen.

Your health care provider might recommend complementary therapies to manage dyspnea without medication, such as:

  • Breathing techniques

  • Relaxation techniques

  • Distraction strategies

  • Posture techniques

  • Physical therapy

  • Acupressure, which is when physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points

  • Reflexology, which applies pressure to the feet, hands, and ears

Sometimes, relieving shortness of breath without the use of medication may not work. There are different ways to treat shortness of breath with medication, including:

  • Pain medications called opioids to relieve shortness of breath

  • Short-acting benzodiazepines, a type of anxiety medication, to relieve anxiety caused by shortness of breath

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs called corticosteroids to treat lung inflammation or airway obstructions

  • Bronchodilators, also known as inhalers, can be used to relieve symptoms for certain patients

This information is based on the American Society of Clinical Oncology's guideline "Management of Dyspnea in Advanced Cancer." Please note that this link takes you to another ASCO website.

Questions to ask the health care team

Consider asking your health care team these questions about shortness of breath:

  • Could my cancer or cancer treatment cause shortness of breath? At what stage?

  • When should I contact the health care team if I experience shortness of breath?

  • Are there other symptoms I should be aware of that could be a sign of a serious problem?

  • Are there ways to treat my shortness of breath without medication? With medication?

  • Are there breathing techniques you can recommend to help when I experience shortness of breath?

  • Is there a specialist I can work with who can help treat shortness of breath?

  • Will the shortness of breath be temporary or long-term?

Related Resources

When to Call the Doctor During Cancer Treatment

Clotting Problems

More Information

National Cancer Institute: Dyspnea During Advanced Cancer