Severe labored breathing

[rc52]

73 yr father suffers severe inability to breathe. Cardiologists, pulmonologists, allergist, all negative results except mild heart wall thickening improved with meds.  Currently treated for polymyalgia w/prednisone - no improvement in breathing. Tried oxygen - does not help.  All tests on heart show no reason for shortness of breath/chest pressure/discomfort.  No trend found in exertion, laying down, etc.  Lung scans reveal excellent for much younger person (quit smoking 10 yrs ago) no scarring.  Suffers severe fatigue.  Has arachnoiditis for 20+ yrs, acid reflux, prostate cancer in remission.  Orthopedic MRI show no spinal tumors or cancer.  Seeking diagnosis and treatment for labored breathing since 2001 w/no resolutions.  Only recommendation so far not pursued is cardiac reconditioning - in too much pain for exercise.     Massage therapist suggests thoracic problems? Any suggestions? I'm the caretaker daughter feeling pretty helpless now.  He feels as though he is dying because he cannot breathe.  Any suggestions/recommendations?

[National Jewish]

Shortness of breath may occur when there is
(1) increased central respiratory drive due to a low level of oxygen saturation in the body tissues or a high level of carbon dioxide in the blood;
(2) increased requirement for the respiratory drive to overcome weakness or mechanical constraints such as stiff lungs or a rigid chest wall; and
(3) altered central nervous system perception.
All 3 areas should be evaluated as a cause of your father

[Inanga]

have you considered his breathing technique? I went through a bad patch made worse by chest breathing which led to hyperventialtion. Very scary - felt like drowning from lack of air - all because I wasn't using my diaphragm properly. This may be a factor in your case - it is very easy to solve if so. perhaps search on 'hyperventialtion syndrome' and see if there are any familiar signs.

best of luck