What is a common symptom of difficulty breathing in dialysis patients due to fluid overload?

Shortness of breath is a common symptom of difficulty breathing in dialysis patients, particularly when fluid overload occurs. In patients undergoing dialysis, excessive fluid can accumulate in the lungs, resulting in pulmonary congestion and edema. This accumulation can lead to a sensation of breathlessness or the inability to take a full breath, which is described as shortness of breath.

Moreover, shortness of breath can feel more pronounced when the individual is lying flat, a condition known as orthopnea, which can be particularly distressing. In the context of dialysis, monitoring fluid intake and output is crucial, as excessive fluid retention can adversely affect respiratory function. Other symptoms like chest pain, dry cough, or rapid heartbeat may have various causes and are not specifically indicative of fluid overload in dialysis patients, making shortness of breath the primary and most relevant symptom in this scenario.