Abstract: The present disclosure is directed generally to systems and methods for relieving dyspnea. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes receiving an input signal from a patient sensor, the input signal corresponding to an indication of the patient's breathing. The method can further include, based at least in part on the input signal, at least reducing the patient's sensation of dyspnea by delivering electrical stimulation to at least one electrode, the at least one electrode being positioned in signal communication with at least one of the patient's inspiratory muscles, expiratory muscles, afferent neural pathways of the inspiratory muscles, and afferent neural pathways of the expiratory muscles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a patient with dyspnea are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes identifying the patient as suffering from dyspnea, and, based at least in part on identifying the patient as suffering from dyspnea, implanting an electrical signal delivery element within the patient in signal communication with an afferent neural pathway of a carotid body chemoreceptor. The method can further include at least reducing dyspneic sensations in the patient by directing an electrical signal from the electrical signal delivery element to the neural pathway to at least partially block afferent signals from the chemoreceptor.