Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Shortness of breath
Answered by
This forum is for questions and support regarding lung and respiratory issues such as: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds - Flu, Chronic Cough, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Fibrosis, Lung Abscess, Nasal Polyps, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sarcoidosis, Sinusitis, Tuberculosis.
Shortness of breath
by dt2007, Jul 31, 2007 12:00AM
I have had muscular/skeletal pain, fatigue and apparent neurological problems (numbness, weak legs/arms) for many years with no clear diagnosis. The neurological problems have worsened over the past year and a half.
Since Spring I have developed frequent shortness of breath which occurs with exertion. For example, doing the dishes, walking across my house, bending over to retrieve an object. If I do not lie down when the shortness of breath occurs it worsens and may progress to hyperventilation. My doctors think I am having anxiety attacks. I don't think that I am. I have tried Klonopin which makes the breathing problems worse, they progress to hyperventilation more frequently.
I have normal Chest X-ray, and blood gas test. CT scan showed no pulmonary embolism. Nuclear stress test was normal.
I had a Pulmonary Function Test in which results got worse post-bronchodilator on the spirometry portion. The test showed the FCV with 6% improvement, but all other values dropping -29 to -71%. Pre bronchodilator tests were normal. I saw a pulmonary specialist who told me my lungs were sensitive but there was nothing wrong over all. He said that the drop in post-bronchodilator values could indicate a problem, but did not tell me what the problem might be or schedule any follow up. Could that drop in values be something significant, given the rest of my condition? Is there any follow up I should initiate, or other investigations?
Thank you
Since Spring I have developed frequent shortness of breath which occurs with exertion. For example, doing the dishes, walking across my house, bending over to retrieve an object. If I do not lie down when the shortness of breath occurs it worsens and may progress to hyperventilation. My doctors think I am having anxiety attacks. I don't think that I am. I have tried Klonopin which makes the breathing problems worse, they progress to hyperventilation more frequently.
I have normal Chest X-ray, and blood gas test. CT scan showed no pulmonary embolism. Nuclear stress test was normal.
I had a Pulmonary Function Test in which results got worse post-bronchodilator on the spirometry portion. The test showed the FCV with 6% improvement, but all other values dropping -29 to -71%. Pre bronchodilator tests were normal. I saw a pulmonary specialist who told me my lungs were sensitive but there was nothing wrong over all. He said that the drop in post-bronchodilator values could indicate a problem, but did not tell me what the problem might be or schedule any follow up. Could that drop in values be something significant, given the rest of my condition? Is there any follow up I should initiate, or other investigations?
Thank you
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Aug 03, 2007 12:00AM
, Aug 03, 2007 12:00AM
The first question that must be answered is what is the nature of your 'neurological problems'? Are they purely neurologic or neuro-muscular and, if the latter, might you be experiencing the rapid onset of muscle, including respiratory muscle fatigue, to account for the apparent worsening of your lung function, post-bronchodilator? More likely is that your effort was not as good during the second set of breathing tests.
You should ask your pulmonologist to interpret the pulmonary function tests. The normal FVC, pre and post, argues against restrictive lung disease. You could have had a 'paradoxical' response to bronchodilator. It would be helpful for your doctor to do a simple spirometry and listen to your lungs after exertion of a degree to cause shortness of breath and 'hyperventilation'. You should also have a graded exercise test. Also ask the pulmonologist what he meant when he said your 'lungs were sensitive'.
The shortness of breath you've experienced with minimal exertion is severe to a degree that would almost certainly be associated with obvious lung or heart disease. Failing that and with embolism ruled out, your doctors may be right – you may be having extreme anxiety with panic. Physiologic measurements and visual observation when you develop shortness of breath could be most illuminating.
You should ask your pulmonologist to interpret the pulmonary function tests. The normal FVC, pre and post, argues against restrictive lung disease. You could have had a 'paradoxical' response to bronchodilator. It would be helpful for your doctor to do a simple spirometry and listen to your lungs after exertion of a degree to cause shortness of breath and 'hyperventilation'. You should also have a graded exercise test. Also ask the pulmonologist what he meant when he said your 'lungs were sensitive'.
The shortness of breath you've experienced with minimal exertion is severe to a degree that would almost certainly be associated with obvious lung or heart disease. Failing that and with embolism ruled out, your doctors may be right – you may be having extreme anxiety with panic. Physiologic measurements and visual observation when you develop shortness of breath could be most illuminating.
Member Comments (1)
by mossesb43, Jan 10, 2009 04:22PM
A related discussion, need help for SOB and back pain was started.
