Dyspnea in Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease

This chapter discusses dyspnea, which is a common and potentially underrecognized symptom in infants, children, and adolescents who have complex congenital heart defects. The clinician caring for these children should strive to identify and relieve the experience of dyspnea through a combination of nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions. Diagnostic evaluation and treatment of the underlying problem, including diuretic therapy for fluid management and agents to achieve afterload reduction, may be warranted. Environmental modifications including a cool airflow from a fan as well as pharmacological interventions such as opioids may be effective. Anxiety secondary to dyspnea should also be considered and addressed.