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Does Anyone Experience Breathing Difficulty?
My husband has PD and is having difficulty with his breathing to the extent that he finds it difficult to speak as he is trying to 'catch his breath'. After physical tests, etc the doctor believes it is related to anxiety and has put him on anti-depressants. Is this a symptom of PD or not?
@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member I'm right there with you about not knowing what approach to take when the LSVT strategies don't continue to be used. I totally get that it can be overwhelming to keep all the different strategies in mind on a daily, continuing basis. It's not a question of being lazy, @A MyParkinsonsTeam Member. It's a lot to deal with and every day is a new "adventure."
I guess you just have to take things one day at a time. Some will be better than others. On the days there's less fatigue there might be more motivation. I also think that more socialization helps. That and humor. If I can get my husband out and about a bit and to smile or laugh it's a good day.
Wishing all of you, @A MyParkinsonsTeam Member and your husband, @A MyParkinsonsTeam Member and your significant other, and @A MyParkinsonsTeam Member and your husband, a "program" of lots of smiles and laughter.
Hugs!
HI @A MyParkinsonsTeam Member. Yes, anxiety is a huge part of Parkinson's. So is depression. It can be treated with medication just the way other PD symptoms are treated with specific medications. Know that, frequently, anti anxiety and depression meds need to be incrementally introduced and may take 6 to 8 weeks before any benefit is seen. Anxiety has been making my husband's othe PD symptoms worse. He is in the process of finding the right dose of antidepressants that will work for him.
Also know that speech difficulty can be caused by the Parkinson's itself. Evaluation and treatment by a speech therapist is also a good idea. There is a speech therapy program specifically for Parkinsons patients called LSVT Loud that may also be beneficial for your husband. It involves an evaluation and 2 visits a week for 4 weeks with a speech therapist. The cost is nominal.
My husband also has a soft voice and loses his ability to muster enough breath to speak. He often needs to be reminded to use the strategies he learned in LSVT Loud. I'm thinking he might need a refresher.
By the way, is the doctor a neurologist and one who specializes in movement disorders like Parkinson's? If so, they might know where you can find the LSVT program. There is a related physical therapy program, LSVT Big, that may be beneficial as well.
Hope this helps.
Yes, people with Parkinson's disease can experience breathing difficulties. Here are some potential respiratory complications:
1. Aspiration Pneumonia: Due to swallowing difficulties, food or fluid can enter the lungs, causing pneumonia
2. Restrictive Lung Disease: Muscle stiffness can restrict chest muscles, limiting read more
This AI-generated response comes from MyParkinsonsTeam and other selected sources. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.
My husband who has had PD for about 8 years was having trouble breathing at night or so he thought. It was all anxiety - quite severe. We were both surprised to hear that. He is now on 2 anti-depressants which have helped quite a bit. Anxiety is such a burden to deal with.....
It seems to be a normal problem in Pd. patients.
Does Anyone Experience A Tightness In Throat That Impacts Breathing? Goes Away With Parkinson's Meds But Comes Back When Meds Wear Off.
Correction: Does Anyone Get Suction In Esophagus?
Does Anyone Experience Difficulty Breathing And Hyperventilating
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