Struggling with the last breath: breathlessness at the end of life on the AMU

Breathlessness is one of the most common symptoms experienced at the end of life, affecting all areas of a patient’s life. It is frightening and leads to high rates of emergency hospital attendances. Often, there is no easily reversible cause and patients are admitted to the acute medical unit (AMU) in order to manage their symptoms with little overall benefit – frustrating patients and clinicians alike. This review reminds the generalist of the significance of breathlessness as a symptom. It highlights the management strategies available to effect improvement and gives practical tips on how this can be achieved within the busy and time-pressured environment of the AMU.