Medical expert of the article

Internist, pulmonologist

New publications

Shortness of breath after chemotherapy

Alexey Portnov, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

Shortness of breath after chemotherapy is a difficulty in breathing, which is felt as a tightness in the sternum, a lack of air. In this case, changes in breathing parameters such as frequency and depth are observed, and the activity of the respiratory muscles is increased.

Shortness of breath is physiological or pathological. Physiological dyspnea is observed with an increase in exercise, when the rhythm of breathing is knocked down, but there are no unpleasant sensations. Pathological dyspnea is accompanied not only by changes in the respiratory rhythm, but also by the appearance of unpleasant sensations.

The reaction of a person to shortness of breath depends on individual sensitivity to their body. In some people, the slightest symptoms of shortness of breath cause panic, and some do not even notice the rapidity of breathing. It should be noted that patients after chemotherapy are in a weakened state, and those changes that occur with them, perceive and feel much more intensively.

The mechanism of appearance is not fully understood, but it is known that shortness of breath after chemotherapy appears due to the processes of strong excitation in the respiratory center, which increases the work of the respiratory muscles. After chemotherapy, there is a decrease in the elasticity of the lung tissue, which requires a greater intensity of functioning of the respiratory muscles. If the efforts of the respiratory muscles exceed a certain threshold, then shortness of breath occurs. In some cases, dyspnea may be a consequence of toxic damage to the respiratory zone of the brain.

Shortness of breath after chemotherapy may indicate the occurrence of various diseases that are provoked by chemotherapy. These include:

anemia,
thrombosis of the pulmonary artery - dyspnea only at rest,
obstruction of the respiratory tract - dyspnea only in the lying position,
with heart disease - dyspnea only in the position on the side,
with the existing weakness of the muscles of the abdominal wall - dyspnea only when standing.

trusted-source [1], [2], [3]

Cough after chemotherapy

Cough after chemotherapy occurs due to several reasons:

First of all, the drugs dry the mucous membranes of all organs, this also applies to the respiratory system. Overdrying mucous causes irritation of the respiratory tract, which is manifested in dry and, sometimes, frequent coughing.
Otherwise, cough after treatment is a consequence of a decrease in immunity. The infection easily penetrates the body, which causes respiratory diseases of the respiratory system. The appearance of a cough testifies that the patient is simply sick, and he needs to undergo a course of antibacterial therapy.

trusted-source [4]

Pneumonia after chemotherapy

After chemotherapy there is a sharp reduction in the number of leukocytes in the blood, and, accordingly, a decrease in the level of immunity. At this time patients are most susceptible to infectious diseases of various nature. Infections, getting into the respiratory tract, can cause respiratory diseases, as well as diseases of the bronchi and lungs.

Suppression of immunity often causes inflammatory processes in the lungs, for example, pneumonia. This disease can be triggered by a number of causes: penetration of the infection in the respiratory tract, the appearance of pulmonary insufficiency after chemotherapy due to toxic damage to the lungs and bronchi cells and so on. In this case, pneumonia occurs in acute form - there is a strong increase in the overall body temperature, fever, acute chest pain, cough with sputum, strong sweating, weakness, increased heart rate, acceleration of the respiratory rhythm, cyanosis of the lips and nail plates.

It should be taken into account that the already arisen pneumonia causes a large percentage of deaths in patients. Therefore, it is necessary to apply preventive measures, which consist in using antibacterial therapy immediately after the end of chemotherapy. In addition, blood transfusion is also possible to increase the level of leukocytes and protective functions of the body.

Shortness of breath after chemotherapy suggests that there is some pulmonary (respiratory) insufficiency. In this case, the blood level of carbon dioxide increases, and in the tissues of the body there is a sufficient number of under-oxidized metabolic products. This increases the intensity of the respiratory system, as well as the load on the heart muscle. Therefore, to the respiratory failure soon joins and cardiac, which provokes dystrophic changes in the myocardium.

All of the above indicates that if dyspnea occurs after chemotherapy, it is necessary to undergo a survey to determine the appropriate corrective therapy.

Translation Disclaimer: For the convenience of users of the iLive portal this article has been translated into the current language, but has not yet been verified by a native speaker who has the necessary qualifications for this. In this regard, we warn you that the translation of this article may be incorrect, may contain lexical, syntactic and grammatical errors.