Breathlessness

Shortness of breath, also called breathlessness, is a common symptom of peritoneal mesothelioma. Read on to learn how to manage this.

Learn more about:

• Overview
• Ways to drain or control fluid around the abdomen
• Improving breathlessness at home

Overview

In peritoneal mesothelioma, a build-up of fluid (ascites) can cause the abdomen to swell. This can be painful, but also puts pressure on the diaphragm and can make you feel breathless.

Other problems such as infection or a low level of red blood cells (anaemia) can also cause breathlessness. Living with breathlessness can be difficult, but there are ways to reduce its impact on your life and manage it at home.

Ways to drain or control fluid in the abdomen

Peritoneal tap 

In peritoneal mesothelioma, a peritoneal tap (also known as paracentesis) drains fluid from the abdomen. Your doctor will numb the area with a local anaesthetic and insert a needle through the skin into the peritoneal cavity. An ultrasound may guide the needle to the fluid. The needle is connected to a bag for the fluid to drain into over a few hours. A peritoneal tap may be done while you are still having tests. You usually don’t have to stay overnight in hospital after a peritoneal tap.

Indwelling peritoneal catheter 

If fluid keeps building up around the abdomen, a small tube can be inserted to allow fluid to flow into a bottle. This is known as an indwelling peritoneal catheter or drain.

Under local anaesthetic, the specialist inserts a thin tube (catheter) into the abdomen. You can manage the drain at home with the help of a community nurse, family member or friend. When the fluid builds up and needs to be drained (usually once or twice a week), the end of the catheter is connected to a bottle.

Heated chemotherapy 

To help prevent fluid building up again, you may have a single dose of heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen (HIPEC) during a laparoscopy.

Learn more about improving breathlessness at home.

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