Table 1.

Potentially treatable causes of breathlessness

Underlying cause	Potential treatment
Anemia	Blood transfusion
Acidosis	HCO3
Bronchospasm	Bronchodilator therapy
Pneumonia	Antibiotic therapy
Pulmonary embolus	Anti-coagulate
Pneumonitis	Steroids
Atrial fibrillation	Anti-arrhythmic
Congestive cardiac failure	Diuretic
Pericardial tamponade	Drainage
Pleural effusion	Thoracentesis
Endobronchial tumor	Endobronchial laser
Extrinsic compression of bronchus	Radiotherapy
Carcinomatous lymphangitis	Steroids (anecdotes only)
Lung metastases	Chemotherapy/hormonal therapy