Weak Respiratory Muscles

[swtmagnolia]

44 year old female/nonsmoker/average weight/no prior health conditions:last year, had pulmonary function test which was ordered to rule out asthma. PFT came back fine except for MVV(a portion of test reflecting respiratory strength) It showed significant reduction  approximately <50. I was at the time experiencing weakness in legs, more in left, shortness of breath and extreme fatigue. Pulmonologist suggested I see a neurologist based on PFT since it showed weakness of respiratory muscles.  I did, and brain and brain stem mri and emg were fine. I was checked for Mysathenia Gravis and I dont have that. Neuro said I did not have MS. So neuro doc said to go back to pulmonologist. I never did since I was feeling better and the symptoms subsided.  A few months ago, had chest pain that came suddenly and shortness of breath. Went to cardiologist-all tests came back fine. Then shortnesss of breath became more of a problem. I would get out of breath eating and couldnt finish a meal. I would wake up at night and have a dry cough for no reason. One night my daughter woke me up and said that it sounded like i was having trouble breathing. Two weeks later,  I was watching TV with family, and felt like I couldnt breath in at all. It lasted a few minutes. I was unable to talk or inhale-its like my lungs were frozen.  The pulmonologist said maybe it was a mucus plug? Second pulmonary function test produced same results as last year. Next pulmonary function test is in supine position and erect postion to see if any difference. Does anyone have any idea what this may be?

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Hi, Thank you for your question. Your clinical symptoms are indicating towards congestion in lungs, therefore these symptoms occur due to some inflammation, fluid or mucus in the respiratory tract or alveoli and may occur either due to left ventricular failure or adult respiratory distress syndrome. Pulmonary hypertension symptoms could be shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, and they could be exacerbated by exertion. Hence a complete physical examination by a doctor is essential to look for loud P2 (pulmonary valve closure sound), ankle edema, jugular venous pressure, finger clubbing that can be consistent with the presence of pulmonary hypertension. Hope this information proves helpful to you. Take Care & Regards.

[missing_me]

Hi Magnolia:

I feel for you, it is difficult enough to be experiencing these symptoms much less not know their cause.

Since you initially had symptoms that pointed you toward a neurologist and checked for MS, you may want to try going back again to a neurologist after this year has gone by.

Sometimes it can be difficult to diagnosis MS or other neurolgical conditions.  They may possibly see something now they did not see previously.

All my best to you.  .

Missing_me