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Abstract

With an ageing population, the NHS is now frequently managing patients with at least one long-term health condition. There is also an increasing need for palliative care as these individuals approach their end of life. Management of respiratory symptoms in such patients can be a challenging task. Palliative care encompasses non-malignant conditions as well as cancer, and multiple interventions have been developed to ease respiratory symptoms. This article reviews how to assess and treat these symptoms in patients with a palliative diagnosis, and outlines the progress made in managing such symptoms.

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Managing respiratory symptoms in palliative care

Abstract

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