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Difficulty expelling air
I quit smoking 6 1/2 months ago (188 days to be exact) and I will never go back. I smoked for approximately 31 years and I am now 45 years old.
I have recently been experiencing difficulty expelling my breath. I have no problem inhaling, it is just expelling that is a problem. There is no cough or phelgm. I am having pain in my back in the area of both of my lungs. I have an appointment for a lung function test on the 28th and an appt. to see my g.p. on Feb. 6th. However, this is getting worse and I am feeling that it is almost getting to the point that I need to go to ER to get some help to breathe.
Does anyone have any idea what this may be? If it is COPD would I be put on oxygen or just some sort of puffer? I really have no idea what is going on...all I know is that it is continually more uncomfortable to try to breathe!
Rena705
I have recently been experiencing difficulty expelling my breath. I have no problem inhaling, it is just expelling that is a problem. There is no cough or phelgm. I am having pain in my back in the area of both of my lungs. I have an appointment for a lung function test on the 28th and an appt. to see my g.p. on Feb. 6th. However, this is getting worse and I am feeling that it is almost getting to the point that I need to go to ER to get some help to breathe.
Does anyone have any idea what this may be? If it is COPD would I be put on oxygen or just some sort of puffer? I really have no idea what is going on...all I know is that it is continually more uncomfortable to try to breathe!
Rena705
Hi Rena, you are welcome! Boy, you sure have alot on your plate...not knowing is so frustrating. One reason that could explain why you are feeling better is that maybe you were fighting a slight infection at the same time (you had pain in your back...pain in my back usually means an infection, but I am just reaching here as you have no cough or other symptoms other than that pain ;) I am very glad that you are feeling better though. Another thing I can think of is maybe some flare up of an allergy to kick up your lung symptoms. I am sure that there are other things that can explain this...You are a puzzle!
With MS, I know breathing can definitely be affacted too...usually people have a hard time getting air in if their respiratory muscles are weakened. How do you feel when you lie flat? Do you feel like you have to gasp to get air in? That is one sign of weakening muscles. I have a very weak diaphragm (docs have no clue as to why...been through many many tests, but no answers) and lying down was incredibly difficult. I live on a vent now, so that problem is artificially resolved now, but before the vent...I could not sleep or lie flat at all without gasping for air.
Good luck with all of those tests coming up, hopefully they come with answers. Sunny
With MS, I know breathing can definitely be affacted too...usually people have a hard time getting air in if their respiratory muscles are weakened. How do you feel when you lie flat? Do you feel like you have to gasp to get air in? That is one sign of weakening muscles. I have a very weak diaphragm (docs have no clue as to why...been through many many tests, but no answers) and lying down was incredibly difficult. I live on a vent now, so that problem is artificially resolved now, but before the vent...I could not sleep or lie flat at all without gasping for air.
Good luck with all of those tests coming up, hopefully they come with answers. Sunny
Hi Sunny and thank you for responding to my post! I am relieved to say that I am feeling somewhat better as of yesterday and it continually seems to be improving.
I don't know that something like emphysema or asthma are something that generally magically improve without some form of medical intervention but whatever my problem is, it has improved considerably!
Can emphysema or asthma improve on it's own as far as you know? I have changed nothing in the house, I have gone nowhere outdoors so any ideas?
I am currently attempting to find out if I have had an MS relapse and I am wondering if this might have something to do with it. I have also recently been tested for myasthenia gravis which can cause breathing problems but I have not heard any results from the neurologist, but I don't think that is the problem.
I appreciate you taking the time to look into my issue and I am hoping to hear from you again soon!
Thanks so much,
Rena705
I don't know that something like emphysema or asthma are something that generally magically improve without some form of medical intervention but whatever my problem is, it has improved considerably!
Can emphysema or asthma improve on it's own as far as you know? I have changed nothing in the house, I have gone nowhere outdoors so any ideas?
I am currently attempting to find out if I have had an MS relapse and I am wondering if this might have something to do with it. I have also recently been tested for myasthenia gravis which can cause breathing problems but I have not heard any results from the neurologist, but I don't think that is the problem.
I appreciate you taking the time to look into my issue and I am hoping to hear from you again soon!
Thanks so much,
Rena705
First of all, if you feel that you are feeling worse, please try to get in to see your doctor sooner. If you describe what is going on, they usually will take you earlier. Of course, if you are absolutely fighting for air, then the ER would be the way to go.
As far as why you have trouble exhaling...That usually happens with air trapping. Air gets in easily, but exhaling is a problem. Air trapping can be a result of emphysema or chronic asthma (just a few conditions that can cause this problem). Your doctor will know what the cause is once you have been thoroughly examined and tested. The pulmonary function tests will tell the doctor if you do indeed have lung issues, particularly those associated with smoking such as emphysema.
One thing you can do to help expell air more efficiently is pursed lip breathing. Here is a web site that describes other techniques including pursed lip breathing that may help your shortness of breath http://lungdiseases.about.com/od/generalinformation1/a/shortofbreath.htm
I hope that you get answers soon...like I said, please don't hesitate to contact your doctor if symptoms get worse. Sunny
As far as why you have trouble exhaling...That usually happens with air trapping. Air gets in easily, but exhaling is a problem. Air trapping can be a result of emphysema or chronic asthma (just a few conditions that can cause this problem). Your doctor will know what the cause is once you have been thoroughly examined and tested. The pulmonary function tests will tell the doctor if you do indeed have lung issues, particularly those associated with smoking such as emphysema.
One thing you can do to help expell air more efficiently is pursed lip breathing. Here is a web site that describes other techniques including pursed lip breathing that may help your shortness of breath http://lungdiseases.about.com/od/generalinformation1/a/shortofbreath.htm
I hope that you get answers soon...like I said, please don't hesitate to contact your doctor if symptoms get worse. Sunny
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