how to comfort the shortness of breath in stage 5

[SmallTownCarer]

My grandma has chosen an at home death in a small town & making her feel comfortable at home has been challenging. The shortness of breath keeps her up the last three days, any pills or simply water she consumes she vomits. She is at stage 5 . I’m wondering if anyone has any remedy for the shortness of breath for her to be able to sleep? We are giving her ventilin already.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

I am hoping that you have her in Hospice. If not, you should. At home Hospice is at no extra cost to you or her but will offer more assistance for comfort care. Hospice pays much more for things like bed padding, and should include oxygen, which is a prescription treatment. That might be a big help for her comfortable breathing. It will also provide in home nursing. Your doctor has to authorize Hospice.

[jodaer]

Bassetmommer has the best advice. In the absence of hospice and 02 she might try sleeping sitting up. That will take some of the pressure off her lungs.

[kellyscats1 in reply to jodaer]

Hospice. They can givemorphine which make breathing much easier while reducing pain

[hardrock430]

Before my husband passed away, I was the only one taking care of him under hospice and he wanted to pass away at home also I had to have him moved to the hospice house where they could make him more comfortable and they was great to me also, they let me stay with my husband 24/7 and was a great support for me

[Darlenia]

Oh, this is always so hard! Sometimes shortness of breath is caused by fluid buildup in the lungs as the kidneys no longer process water well. If your grandmother is on hospice, hospice can usually take care of it with meds, as others have mentioned. In some cases, the fluid buildup can be extreme - building up in arms and legs too. If water retention is significantly affecting her and if she was on dialysis earlier, then you may want to ask hospice to involve palliative care and dialysis to reduce the levels and make her more comfortable. I'd like to add that you're a very lovely person to care like you do for your grandmother! May we all be so fortunate when that time comes.