Definition: Dyspnea is defined as abnormal breathing and usually refers to the uncomfortable feeling of breathlessness. Also known as "shortness of breath", dyspnea is a common symptom for many people at the end of life. It's estimated that dyspnea occurs in 70% of dying patients. Dyspnea may present as:
- rapid breathing
- shallow breathing
- wheezing
- gasping
- use of accessory muscles (muscles of the rib cage and stomach contracting abnormally)
- flaring nostrils
