September 20, 2023

The Use of Lasix in Hospice

The Use of Lasix in Hospice Care

When it comes to hospice care, our team is focused solely on providing comfort and pain-free care to hospice care patients. For both hospice patients and their families, coping with terminal illness brings about a wide array of emotional worries and concerns. In addition to emotional stress, those with congestive heart failure (CHF) may also feel uncomfortable physically.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) occurs when a person’s heart can no longer pump blood well throughout the body. As a result, patients may experience symptoms such as chest pain, fluid retention, shortness of breath, and other uncomfortable symptoms related to breathing. For patients experiencing these symptoms, certain medications such as Lasix may help enhance comfort while on hospice care.

How Lasix Can Help Enhance Comfort

People with congestive heart failure (CHF) may experience swelling and edema throughout the body. This symptom can be uncomfortable, causing a person to have abdominal swelling and ankle/leg swelling. CHF can also cause swelling in the lungs in some patients.

To help combat this, Lasix is a diuretic medication (water pill) that helps reduce this uncomfortable swelling. Lasix works by preventing the body from absorbing too much salt, which means less fluid retention.

Hospice patients on diuretic medications may need support from their hospice care team. This medication can make patients need to urinate more frequently and require additional hydration. The Adobe Hospice team is here to support patients on Lasix and aid in managing symptoms and side effects.

Speak with Your Hospice Team

Taking care of symptom management and enhancing comfort is a vital component of hospice care. If you or a loved one is experiencing unpleasant symptoms of heart failure, speak to your hospice team. Based on each person’s needs, our nurses can help administer medications that can provide comfort for hospice patients. To learn more, contact one of our Community Liaisons today!