Breathing Issue

[mollyadelaide]

Just wondering if this can be part of an autoimmune disease?

There are times (several days in a row of this) when I find it difficult if not impossible to get a good deep breath especially when I'm lying down. My chest has a heavy feel to it. It happens throughout the day though too. At these times I take these gasping deep breaths every once in awhile - not consciously doing it though. (I've had people at work ask me if I'm ok, I said yes why and they said oh just the breath you were taking.) During these periods, I've also woken up because I'm gasping for a breath. It's not one gasping breath after another, it's just every so often. Now this is scary when it's happened but it doesn't really last more than say 4 days or so at a time. I think it may be autoimmune related just because it comes and goes with flairs or weather/season changes - I think maybe. I've mentioned it to my rheumy but didn't really get a comment. I've had a chest x-ray a few years ago and it did not show any problems.

My bloodwork recently indicated anti-centromere antibodies which apparently indicate CREST or limited systemic scleroderma. One of the complications can be pulmonary hypertension. So I'm hoping that I'm making a connection with this minor breathing issue that really doesn't belong?! I've never thought too much about it before since it's gone on for years but now I'm a little concerned. Does anyone have any experience with this? Have you had that breathing issue I've described? Is it harmless or indicative of something worse going on?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated

[mollyadelaide]

Chance, I have never smoked. But that is an excellent point to not assume and attribute everything to one particular disease. I do tend to do that:)

Kara, it doesn't happen all that often so that's what puzzles me and usually it's not as bad as the gasping for breath. That's only happened about 3 times or so. I will mention it to the rheumy for sure. Thank you for the prayers!

[karajo]

I must agree w/ the last post.  After re-reading your post, you said you wake up gasping for breath.  I must say, that sounds serious and should be further evaluated.  

Praying for ya kid!

[chance588]

If you are a smoker especially, it might be a good idea to talk with your primary care dr. Remember that it isnt always a good idea to chalk up all your symptoms to diseases you have. It could be asthmam cardiac related or a number of other conditions. Even anxiety can cause shortness of breath. It is a symptom that warrants further investigation. Good luck

[mollyadelaide]

Thank you for the thoughtful reply! I'll probably mention it but leave it at that for now. I know just what you mean about feeling like others view you as making things up:) I guess I'll go back to my theory that if it's something bad enough then it will produce symptoms or bloodwork that merit investigating further. I certainly don't need to look for more problems. Just wondered if anyone else experienced this. For some reason it's at least reassuring that I'm not the only one who experiences odd symptoms that aren't necessarily big problems with flairs. Thanks again!

[karajo]

I sometimes experience this same thing.  But like you said, it occurs when I'mhaving a flare.  Autoimmune problems come and go and, as a result, seem to only make me look like I'm making these things up.  So I rarely mention them to the dr.  But in your case, you having the elevated centromere antibody, they might actually take you serious.  

I know lupus can affect your lungs and cause inflammation in the linning of the lungs.