Treatment for Dyspnea or Shortness of Breath

There are a variety of treatment options for patients suffering from dyspnea or shortness of breath. Lauren Goodman, MD, a pulmonologist at Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center, explains that this may include inhaled medications for diseases such as asthma or COPD, diuretics or water pills for pulmonary hypertension or congestive heart failure, or corticosteroids and oxygen for a variety of illnesses. Even opioids, traditionally used for pain, can be effective at very low doses. While many causes of shortness of breath may clear up with treatment, even patients facing long term issues can be helped, for example, with placement of an indwelling catheter to facilitate draining the lungs when needed. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call (614) 293-4925 or visit http://wexnermedical.osu.edu/patient-...