Managing respiratory symptoms at the end of life

Respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, production of secretions, and hiccups are relatively common at the end of life and they often become increasingly distressing to the patient and family as the underlying terminal illness progresses. Advanced care planning and symptom assessment, etiology, and palliation are discussed. Treatment modalities presented include oxygen, medications (including opioids), procedures and treatments such as radiation therapy, respiratory therapy, thoracentesis, and alternative and complementary medicine modalities.