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What causes shortness of breath and heart discomfort in patients with advanced cancer, and what should be done about it?

Feb 01, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, shortness of breath and cardiac discomfort in patients with advanced cancer may be related to anemia, direct effects of cancer, side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, pulmonary complications, or inflammatory responses, and targeted management can be implemented accordingly. Patients with advanced cancer need to actively cooperate with their doctors' treatment, while paying attention to maintaining a balanced diet and a positive mindset to prolong prognosis.

In general, shortness of breath and cardiac discomfort in patients with advanced cancer may be related to anemia, direct effects of cancer, side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, pulmonary complications, inflammatory responses, and other factors. Targeted management should be implemented accordingly. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital. Specific details are as follows:

1. Anemia

Cancer itself or its treatment process may lead to anemia, reducing the body's ability to deliver sufficient oxygen, thereby causing shortness of breath and cardiac discomfort. Symptoms can be alleviated with medications such as sustained-release ferrous sulfate tablets, ferrous fumarate tablets, or ammonium citrate iron and vitamin B1 syrup II, according to medical advice.

2. Direct Effects of Cancer

If cancer directly invades the lungs, it may cause shortness of breath, especially when tumors affect the airways or cause pleural effusion. Patients should actively cooperate with doctors to control tumor progression through chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

3. Side Effects of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy

Certain chemotherapy drugs and radiotherapy may have toxic effects on the heart, leading to cardiac discomfort and reduced cardiac function, which can result in shortness of breath. Patients are advised to consult their doctors about whether adjustments to treatment frequency are needed.

4. Pulmonary Complications

Some cancer patients may develop coagulation-related issues associated with cancer, leading to pulmonary embolism or pulmonary edema, resulting in shortness of breath and rapid breathing. Treatment may include anticoagulant medications such as dicoumarol tablets, warfarin sodium tablets, or heparin sodium buccal tablets, as recommended by a physician.

5. Inflammatory Response

In advanced stages of cancer, patients may experience systemic inflammatory responses characterized by weight loss, weakness, and fatigue, which may also contribute to cardiac discomfort and shortness of breath. Treatment under medical guidance may include injectable antibiotics such as sodium latamoxef, aztreonam for injection, or cefotaxime sodium and sulbactam sodium for injection.

Patients with advanced cancer should actively cooperate with medical treatment, maintain a balanced diet, and foster a positive mindset to help prolong prognosis.

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