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Cardiopulmonary Syndromes (PDQ®)

  • Posted: 02/20/2004
  • Updated: 03/25/2013
If the dyspnea is caused by: Then the treatment may be: 
Tumor blocking the large or small airways in the chest or lungRadiation therapy.
Hormone therapy.
Chemotherapy, for tumors that usually respond quickly to this treatment.
Laser surgery to remove the tumor.
Cauterization of tumors.
Pleural effusionRemoval of the extra fluid around the lung using a needle or chest drain.
Pericardial effusionRemoval of the extra fluid around the heart using a needle.
AscitesRemoval of the extra fluid in the abdominal cavity using a needle.
Carcinomatous lymphangitisSteroid therapy.
Chemotherapy, for tumors that usually respond quickly to this treatment.
Superior vena cava syndrome Chemotherapy, for tumors that usually respond quickly to this treatment.
Radiation therapy.
Surgery to place a stent in the superior vena cava to keep it open.
Chest infectionsAntibiotics.
Breathing treatments.
Blood clotsAnticoagulants.
Bronchospasms or chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseBronchodilators.
Inhaled steroids.
Heart failureDiuretics and other heart medicines.
AnemiaBlood transfusion