Non-Pharmacological Management of Breathlessness

A Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy Perspective

Fiona Cahill – Senior Physiotherapist SFHLinda Gormley– A/Occupational Therapy Manager SFH

Introduction

• Breathlessness can be a terrifying and exhausting symptom for palliative care patients, therefore a collaborate approach enables professional/patients to work towards a common goal( Syrett & Taylor 2003)

Interdisciplinary working• Physio and OT play an important role in the non-

pharmacological management of breathlessness • Both disciplines have core skills which when

successfully integrated can enhance best practice/patient care

• Collaborative working between the two disciplines lends itself to a holistic approach

• NICE guidelines for the management of Lung Cancer recommend access to non-pharmacological interventions

Types of breathlessness

• Activity induced breathlessness• Anxiety induced breathlessness• Medical conditions– Chest Infections– Acute Cardiac conditions

ACTIVITY INDUCED BREATHLESSNESS

• Breathlessness is a normal response to exercise / activity

• Exercise tolerance varies depending on age, illness and previous activity levels

• With illness, people are anxious re exercise and then to avoid it

Borg Breathlessness ScaleRating Severity Can you .......

0 No Breathlessness Sing / whistle

0.5 Very Very Slight (just noticeable) Sing / whistle

1 Very Slight Sing/whistle

1.5

2 Slight Talk comfortably

2.5 Talk but aware of your breathing

3 Moderate Say short sentences

4 Somewhat severe Say 2 – 3 word answers

5 Severe Say one word answer

6

7 Very Severe Occasionally say one word answers

8

9 Very very severe Unable to talk

10 Maximum Gasping

Exercise

• The risk associated with exercise far outweighs the risk of NOT exercising

Benefit of exercise

General Benefits Improve / maintain physical functioning Reduce risk of falls Improve mental health Reduce pain associated with degenerative disease

Illness specific • COPD• Heart Failure• Cardiovascular Disease

Incorporating exercise

• Where possible get guidance from a physiotherapist

• Encourage patients to walk where possible rather than using wheelchairs

• Use the BORG scale to guide intensity– level 3 – 4 is normal for ‘exercise’

• HSE Easy Exercises – A Chair based Programme for older adults

Pursed Lip Breathing Technique

• Keeps the airways open longer and reduces effort to breathe

• Slows the breathing rate • Improves breathing patterns by moving old air

out of the lungs and allowing for new air to enter the lungs

• Relieves shortness of breath • Causes general relaxation

Pursed Lip Breathing Technique

• Focus on ‘the exhale’• Slow exhale for a count of 4 through ‘pursed

lips’• Breathe in for a count of 2• Many patients who experiences

breathlessness have adopted this technique without instruction

• Not suitable for all patients

Positions of ease

Positions of ease

Positioning

Occupational therapists aim to help patients to

• Understand and recognise periods of breathlessness and anxiety

• Integrate the principles of breathlessness management (4 Ps) into their lifestyle!

• Understand the pattern of their own activities, so that they can improve their management

• Set goals for achievement of activities of importance• Integrate anxiety breaking techniques into their lives• Review changes in condition and function

Impact of Breathlessness

• Tension / panic• reduced energy for activities• insomnia• avoidance of situations • role loss• low mood• family and carer stress

Interventions

• Education about strategies to improve performance for ADLs

• Activity analyses• Goal setting• Aids and adaptations• Anxiety management

Education: The 4 Ps!!

• Remember– Plan– Prioritise– Pace– Posture

Also, delegate, modify, adapt!

Goal setting • Help patients to achieve a sense of control, and mastery• Goal set round three areas: - productivity - work related roles - self maintenance - all we need to do to look after ourselves in our own environment - leisure - activities that give us a sense of pleasure and enjoyment

Activity analyses

• Break down tasks into stages• Learn about how task components combine to

achieve an activity• Identify skills required to perform each part of

the activity• Understand environmental and social

supports that may be required for completion of the activity

Washing ADL chartDelegate someone to organise your robe,

toiletries, hot water and clothes, where acceptableOrganise/breakdown washing activitiesHave all toiletries togetherPlan how you layout activities - undressing,

washing, drying, dressingGive yourself a break. You may not need a shower

or bath every day!Sit at the wash hand basin to washA long-handled sponge may save a little energyAvoid long, hot showers or bathsA small grab-rail in the bath or shower may help. An absorbent towelling bathrobe will help you to dry yourself without too much effort• Weather permitting, have the window slightly ajar

when having your shower

Aids and Adaptations

ANXIETY INDUCED BREATHLESSNESS

Anxiety

Important and Necessary Anxiety

• Motivates us• Helps us to pay attention• Helps us to get out of dangerous situations• Helps us to perform and excel!• Prepares us for rapid action

The anxiety cycle

Anxiety and shortness of breath

Tonya Pomerantz

Anxiety Management

• Normalises anxiety• Helps patients recognise what triggers anxiety• Assists in integrating anxiety management

techniques into lifestyle• Helps in the management of breathlessness

associated with anxiety• Helps regain control over activities• Challenges negative thinking

Interventions

• Education– Normal Anxiety and anxiety cycle

• Symptoms– Physical– Cognitive– Behavioural

Formal Relaxation Exercises

• Visualisation• Body scans• Mindfulness• Yoga

Quick TechniquesThe "feather technique“ coutesy of Royal marlsdon Hospital Occupational Therapy Department Tape recorder imagery

The "Stop technique”

• Say Stop• Let your breathe go • Relax your shoulders• Breathe in, and then

exhale• Relax your face and jaw• Think of a relaxing

image

Sleep Hygiene

• Maintain a regular sleep and wake-up time• Use your bedroom only for sleep – create a good sleep

environment• Distract your mind. Try reading or listening to music or using

your relaxation techniques • Write it down what is on your mind may help or a to-do list• Avoid caffeine within four to six hours of bedtime. • Avoid the use of nicotine close to bedtime or during the night. • Do not drink alcoholic beverages within four to six hours of

bedtime. • A light snack before bedtime can help promote sound sleep, but

avoid large meals. • Exercise during the morning can induce better overall sleep but

avoid strenuous exercise within six hours of bedtime, • Minimize light, noise, and extremes in temperature in the

bedroom

Calming Hand

• Developed by the physiotherapy team in Dorothy House Hospice

• Useful in managing anxiety • 1st step is recognising triggers of anxiety /

breathlessness• Combinations of breathing technique &

Mitchell method of relaxation

Calming Hand

Relax

Exhale Slowly

Inhale

Sigh Out

Recognition

“There are moments when all anxiety and stated toil are becalmed in the infinite leisure and repose of nature."

Henry David Thoreau

OXYGEN & BREATHLESSNESS

• Normal Oxygen levels range 95 – 98%• Chronic Illness levels > 90%• Body is capable of delivering 3 – 4 times

the amount of oxygen required • No evidence for the use of oxygen in

breathless patients

• Remember

–people can have low oxygen levels without being breathless

–Being breathless doesn’t mean oxygen levels are low

SIMPLE TIPS FOR MANAGING BREATHLESSNESS

The Dos

• Give the patient space• Open windows and doors or switch on a fan• Loosen any tight clothes• Slowly & softly talk to the patient• Keep instructions simple• Encourage any techniques that they have used

in the past

The Don’ts

• Don’t Panic • Don’t crowd the patient• Do not try and teach new techniques• Don’t engage in small talk when they are

breathless

Language Used ....

• ‘Take a deep breath’

• ‘Just keep breathing’

• References available on request

Contact DetailsLinda Gormley Fiona Cahilllgormley@sfh.ie fcahill@sfh.iePh: 01 8327535 Ph: 01 8327535