Trouble breathing

My husband recently started having difficulty breathing.  This only occurs when he is in a sitting position or standing still.  It gets worse if he is trying to talk.  It is not painful to breathe in deeply, but he says that the muscles around his stomach right below the sturnum starts to hurt. He can no longer drive for any period longer than 30 min, and he must concentrate to breathe.  He has always been a heavy night time breather, to the point where he wakes me up, not snoring, just loud breathing.  This has almost stopped, I can no longer hear him breathe at night but he says that he is sleeping well.  He says it does not bother him as long as he is working or moving.  He can sing and not run out of breath. It is getting worse. The dr. has done a CT scan and EKG + the usual blood test.  Nothing.  His blood pressure is slightly elevated and is on Lescol for high colesterol.  They will be doing several breathing test this next week, someone suggested Thorasic Outlet sydrome, but there is no pain anywhere else.  Do you have any suggested test, the dr. seems to be out of ideas. Thank you, LZip2

[National Jewish]

Your husband should have a thorough evaluation by a pulmonologist.  The best lung specialist for your husband to see would be one who has additional training and special expertise in sleep disorders.

[Purified Air]

How about checking this list for indoor air pollution in your home:COMMON TRAITS OF INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
Household Members                 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
Dust on furniture / Visible in air
House odors
Allergies
Asthma
Sinus problems
Headaches
Sleeplessness / Light sleeper
Snoring
Sore throats / Colds / Flu
Itchy/ Watery eyes
Coughing / Throat clearing
Lack of Concentration
Depression / Irritability
Fatigue / Naps
Mold / Mildew in basement & bathrooms
Pet dander and odors
Smoking
Wood / Coal heater
Static Electricity

As you fill this in and realize how much is affected by your indoor air; you might want to try an ionizing/ozone air purifier like I have.

[christa0120]

perhaps your husband has pulmonary hypertension or a cardiac issue. In my line of work I have seen more shortness of breathe or difficulty breathing issues are because of heart and lungs, not just lungs. A good thorough check up with a pulmonologist and or cardiologist is recommended