Breathing problems

[lids789]

I have been having breathing problems for a year now and have had them start 5 years ago only to disappear. I can not take a full breath and sometimes I can't sleep due to lungs feel full and I have to sleep sitting up. I had an xray and all kinds of breathing tests done and they all come out fine, I am waiting for an appt with a Pulonary Dr. for hopefully some answers. I have not smoked since I was in my early 20's and it was only socially.  does anyone have these problems and are there any other reasons that these problems can occur other than pulmonary? Like Cervical Spine issues? I do have a chiari malformation and scoliosis. When I try to breath in a deep breath the back of my neck is tight as is my shoulders.  

Please help.

Thank you
Lids789

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Your symptoms of breathlessness and lack of sleep could all be attributed to GERD, (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease), where the acid contents of the stomach come up into the esophagus. Along with OTC antacids, you could try lifestyle measures. Take frequent small meals. Eat dinner about two hours before sleeping. Elevate the head end of the bed. Keep a food diary and note down what aggravates your symptoms and avoid them. Ensure to maintain optimum weight by regular exercise. Avoid non steroidal  anti inflammatory medications NSAID's, quit smoking, eliminate alcohol and reduce stress levels. These measures need to be practiced long term for results. Hope this helps!!

Hello and hope you are doing well.

[lids789]

Yes pulmonary Dr. said my numbers were too good on PFT test to show any airway problems. He said of course there could always be something not showing in xray that could be seen maybe on scan but unlikely at this point. He said to go to GI Dr. to check for esophogeal spasms and see if there is something there going on. I have been having this now for a year but prev this started 5 years ago so I am confused. Hopefully I get an answer. This is so frustrating.

Hope you are having a good day!

[Jerry_NJ]

Did the Pulmonary Doctor say you do not have a airway disease problem, or is that why you are referred to a GI Doctor (isn't that the digestive system specialist??).  

I am a guy, much older than you and a regular smoker for about 30 years, I have not smoked for the past 30 years, however.  I don't know about dust or other pollutants, my home is marginally high in radon gas, a common problem in much of New Jersey.  

I think my symptoms are similar to yours but not as erosive.  I believe most of my problem is nasal congestion due to allergies, yes perhaps to dust as I use a lawn tractor to mow a multi acre property.    I jump in her more to sympathize, and to follow your progress.

[lids789]

Thank you for your post. I saw my Pulmonary Dr and he said he did not see any issues as of yet. Said of course there could be things occuring that could not be seen as of yet but thought this was not lung associated and is referring me to a GI Dr. He said that my numbers on my PFT's were normal being that I was symptomatic while taking the tests. Hopefully it is not an airway disease and it will be something I can take something for. It has still not gone away but I will try GI Dr to see why I am spasming and then maybe try to check my cervical spine and see if there is a blockage of spinal fluid. Hoping if goes away like it did  years ago.  Thanks again for your post and will keep you posted as to what GI Dr says.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Your symptoms may be due to Small airway disease, which affects the respiratory bronchioles. Disease of small airways results from exposure to tobacco smoke, mineral dust, air-pollutants, and viral infections. It may also be associated with connective tissue disorders. The pulmonary function tests are abnormal only late in the disease and the damage done is irreversible. Therefore, management lies in preventing exposure to smoke and dust, whether in the form of smoking tobacco or exposure to industrial dusts in the work environment.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.