Dyspnea is the medical word for trouble breathing. It's a common symptom in people who have lung cancer or have cancer that has spread to the lungs. Dyspnea happens when you have trouble moving air in and out of your lungs. You can also have it if your lungs aren't getting enough oxygen.

People who have dyspnea describe it as trouble breathing or shortness of breath. They often compare it to feeling like they are suffocating or being smothered. In many cases, you may feel anxious or panic if you think you can't breathe. Often your anxiety and fears can make the dyspnea worse. By panicking, you can become more breathless and begin a cycle that is hard to stop.

You may have dyspnea if you have lung cancer. The tumor may be partially or completely blocking your airway. Or you may have it if you have another type of cancer, such as breast cancer, that has spread to the lungs. It can also happen if you have any of these health issues:

• Anemia
• Pneumonia
• Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), including emphysema or chronic bronchitis
• Heart disease
• Excess weight
• Asthma or allergies
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Lung inflammation (pneumonitis)

Some cancer treatments may damage the lungs and cause dyspnea. These include lung surgery, radiation to the chest (that affects the lungs), and certain medicines used to treat lung cancer.

Each person may have dyspnea in a slightly different way. You may be asked to describe your breathlessness as mild, moderate, or severe.

Dyspnea may keep you from doing things you normally do with ease. Your doctor may ask you how your breathing trouble affects your daily life, your ability to exercise, and the quality of your life. Tell your doctor how it impacts how far you can walk, how you eat, or even how you talk.

To help you talk with your doctor about dyspnea, it may help to keep track of how it affects you. Keep a journal of when you have it, what were you doing, what makes it better, and what makes it worse. Write down questions you have and bring all this information with you to your appointments.

Your doctor may also order tests to find out what is causing your shortness of breath, if the cause isn't clear. These might include blood tests or tests of your heart or lungs.

Dyspnea is usually treated by treating its cause. For example, if fluid is collecting in your lung, your doctor may need to drain the fluid to ease your breathing. You may need chemotherapy or radiation therapy to shrink a tumor that is causing the dyspnea. If trouble breathing is caused by an infection, you may need antibiotics. If a blood clot is found in your lung, you may need to take blood thinners.

Your doctor may treat dyspnea with medicine. The type of medicine will depend on the cause. You may need:

• Bronchodilators to open your airways.
• Steroids to help reduce swelling in the lungs.
• Antianxiety medicines to help break the cycle of panic. This cycle can lead to more breathing problems.
• Pain medicines to make breathing easier.

Your doctor may also prescribe oxygen to help with your breathing. Ask your health care team about breathing and relaxation methods you can try on your own.

You may find relief by doing relaxation exercises, meditation, or breathing methods. You may also be helped by conserving your energy and limiting your activities. These methods may also help control your anxiety. Anxiety control is an important part of treating dyspnea.

You may also find relief by changing the way you sit or sleep. Try sitting upright in a chair, leaning forward slightly, and resting your forearms on the arms of the chair or on your knees. This can help your lungs expand. Sleeping with several pillows or in a recliner can also help.

Here are two breathing exercises to help manage dyspnea. Always talk with your doctor before trying these methods. You can also talk with a respiratory or physical therapist about how to manage dyspnea.

This is also called belly or abdominal breathing. To do this type of breathing, first find your diaphragm. Here's how: Place your fingers just below your breastbone and breathe in. The muscle that moves is the diaphragm. The goal is to use your diaphragm to help you breathe rather than using your back, shoulders, or neck. Watch your diaphragm rise and fall as you breathe. You can also lie on your back and put a book on your belly. Watch your breathing pattern as the book rises and falls.

To do this type of breathing, pucker your lips like you're blowing out a candle. Take normal breaths. Breathe in through the nose. Then take twice as long to breathe out through the center of your mouth. This helps you slow your breathing and stay calm. You can do this anytime you feel short of breath, such as during or after exercise.

Sometimes dyspnea can't be managed at home. It may be a sign of a new problem or one that is getting worse.

Call your doctor if any of these occur:

• Increased trouble breathing
• Changes in the amount or color of mucus
• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your doctor

Call 911 if you have:

• Severe shortness of breath.
• Confusion.
• Trouble speaking.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Skin, mouth, or nails turn blue or pale.