Connect with others who understand.

Sign up Log in
Resources
About MyParkinsonsTeam
Powered By
Real members of MyParkinsonsTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

My Sister Has Had PD For About 7 Years. Over The Last Year She Has Extreme Difficulty With Shortness Of Breath.

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Gaithersburg, MD

Her blood O2 level is very good but her diaphragm goes into spasm and she feels like she can't catch her breath. It is lasting for longer periods of times and is very distressing. Her physician has tried different meds with little success.

April 29, 2018
View reactions
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Try a electrocariologist

April 30, 2018
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Hi Carol,
I hope your sister finds an answer. Don't give up looking.
Some advice below from http://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinso... might be helpful
Jud

Some people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) may experience shortness of breath. There is no clear cause underlying respiratory dysfunction in PD, its frequency or the effect that medications have on respiration. Several reasons for shortness of breath in PD include:

“Wearing off” is a common experience among people with PD who have been taking levodopa for several years. These occur when the medication benefit wears off and PD symptoms (including shortness of breath) return before the next dose.
Respiratory dyskinesia refers to an occurrence of irregular and rapid breathing when levodopa medications reach their peak effect. These may accompanied by involuntary body movements, typically experienced as dyskinesia.
Anxiety is a common symptom of PD that may also exacerbate shortness of breath, whether by itself or as a consequence of wearing off of the medication.
Aspiration pneumonia is a pneumonia that develops after food or liquid “goes down the wrong pipe.” Advanced PD can increase the risk of swallowing difficulties, choking and aspiration pneumonia.
Non-PD health issues include conditions such as asthma, allergies, lung disease, heart disease and other conditions that may cause shortness of breath.
Therapies
Treating breathing difficulties in PD depends on identifying their cause. There is no specific therapy for shortness of breath among people with PD and tests may show that everything is normal. Still, it may help to discuss your medications with your doctor.

Tips for Coping with Breathing Difficulties
Work with your doctor to identify and treat any non-PD causes of shortness of breath, such as lung disease, heart disease or lack of physical conditioning and endurance.
Exercise as much as possible. Shortness of breath may lead a person to move less. Less physical activity reduces the ability to take deep breaths. Staying active improves pulmonary function.
Take steps to cope with anxiety. Talk with your doctor to figure out what sets off anxiety and find treatments (medications, exercise, lifestyle changes) and techniques that work for you.
Speak to your doctor about getting an evaluation performed by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who can help you address issues related to swallowing.
Give up smoking.

April 29, 2018
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I was diagnosed with PD about 16 years ago and I have recently been told that I have AF. Since I had a small stroke 2 years ago, I sometimes experience shortness of breath and I put it down to the AF. Now I'm not sure which is causing it. Could be an allergy!!!

November 5, 2023
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Thank you for your interest and advice.

May 4, 2018

Related content

View All

Phila

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Wyncote, PA

Theracycle

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Bensalem, PA

Shortness Of Breath

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Hampton, NH
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data Policy and Privacy policies.Your privacy is our priority Lock Icon
Already a Member? Log in