I have Emphysema and Asthma. Both have been diagnosed quite some time ago. I recently had a review with the specialist who advised that my Emphsema was significant ...... whatever that means. I also had a chest xray which my GP confirmed I had Bronchiectasis, although my CT scan stated no Bronchiectasis but some lung fibrosis (this has never been discussed with me).
At Easter I had 3 chest infections over a period of 6 weeks or so. Since then I have noticed that I get breathless when bending or kneeling. I have also noticed that, when at rest, I appear to voluntarily take an extra breath or two, such like a child would do when sobbing. I have also noted that when I am breathless I tend to breath out as if breathing through a straw. Both of these actions are completely voluntary. Are these additional symptoms of my condition or just some odd newly formed habits that I have?
I would appreciate to hear from anyone else who has experienced these habits.
Written by
Eco1
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
9 Replies
•
Hi it sounds like you haven't fully recovered from the chest infections yet as it can take a while especially if you are quite severe to recover completely. Obviously any chest infection can further damage your lungs but give it a while longer and see how you feel. Your poor lungs have taken quite a battering after all.
Meanwhile get plenty of rest and look after yourself. Hopefully in time you will be back to pre infections level.
"I have also noticed that, when at rest, I appear to voluntarily take an extra breath or two, such like a child would do when sobbing." Just how I described this too, some others experience this also, so I would say that this is an undocumented symptom.
"I have also noted that when I am breathless I tend to breath out as if breathing through a straw." I think that you are describing Pursed Lip Breathing which is something that athletes do when out of breath naturally, with emphysema you use this method to create a slight back pressure that prevents the alveoli walls from collapsing, holding them open, for the next breath.
As you say, I have no control over the additional breaths but I am able to stop the "pursed lip breathing" if I think about it. Do you also become breathless when kneeling too?
Bending over or kneeling can squish your stomach up thus restricting the movement of your diaphragm, thus making it harder to breath. If you also have hyper-inflated lungs, common with emphysema, then your diaphragm will already be compromised by the lungs pushing down on it, so with the stomach pushing up as well then it can't move very much causing you to be out of breath.
It all makes sense now. I don't like visiting the Dr just to ask my trivial questions.
Do you know if these symptoms relate to what stage you are at as the specialist had said that my Emphsema is significant and I haven't had these symptoms before.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.
OK. Well thank you for your replies. My GP has questioned why I need to know what stage I am at so I am hoping to get my test results from him when I see him next.
hi Eco....you have every right to know what stage you are. just tell your doctor, you are very interested in your body and how to best take care of it. good luck!!
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
New member
New inhalers 
Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis
bronchiectasis
