Breathing Difficulties

[dw1979]

I am a 24 year old female. I have mixed connective tissue disease and have been having difficulties breathing for the past 10 years. When I was younger my Dr always said it was heartburn. For a few days, usually every month, I have difficulty breathing, especially at night. I can not lay down because I feel so out of breath and it is very uncomfortable. I usually have to sit up in bed half the night until I finally fall asleep. During the day it is only bothersome if I engage in any activity such as walking a far distance or climbing stairs. I see a pulmonologist a few times a year and he can't seen to find anything much wrong. I've done pft's for the past few years and everything is steady there. Also with this problem it makes my neck and shoulders hurt. A couple months ago I saw a GI dr and have been put on aciphex, before I was taking prilosec. I don't think these medications are helping because I still have the same problems. I really don't want to live the rest of my life with this problem. Do you have any suggestions on what this might be or what is causing it?

[dw1979]

I have recently noticed that the pains usually comes right before my period. I see my pulmonologist next week and will mention what has been said. Has anyone else experience this kind of behavior?

[National Jewish]

Your description of difficulties breathing in a young woman "for a few days, usually every month", suggest that there might be a relationship with your menstrual cycle.  This may be seen with peri-menstrual asthma.  Another consideration would be lymphangiomyomatosis, but that is rare.

My advice is that you be carefully evaluated by your pulmonologist at the time of the month when you are most symptomatic.  This would include an exam, pulmonary function testing, a chest x-ray, and perhaps even a CT scan of your chest.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the back flow of stomach contents, including digestive juices, into the esophagus or food tube.  This is most commonly called acid reflux or heartburn.  This reflux can come all the way up into the mouth and nose.  When this happens the material can be aspirated, dribbling into the windpipe and lungs.  This could explain your difficulty breathing, especially at night.

GERD can cause the following symptoms: