Does anybody know if breathing problems could be alcohol related please?My husband has blue and pink inhalers and is constantly over using them so struggle constantly to get prescription for him.
I initially thought it was because he was forgetting he had taken it so using it too much. But now I am thinking, is his breathing deteriarating.
He has ARBD and ARLD.
Thank you
Has he been checked out for Hepatopulmonary Syndrome? Another side effect from advanced liver disease.
Hepatopulmonary (hep-uh-toe-POOL-moe-nar-e) syndrome is an uncommon condition that affects the lungs of people with advanced liver disease. Hepatopulmonary syndrome is caused by blood vessels in the lungs expanding (dilating) and increasing in number, making it hard for red blood cells to properly absorb oxygen. This leaves the lungs unable to deliver adequate amounts of oxygen to the body, which leads to low oxygen levels (hypoxemia).
Hi Diamondbabe
Alongside Katie's reply about hepatopulmonary syndrome, my only further thoughts are:
that you've previously said your husband had oedema but were unsure about whether he has ascites (which may explain what's going on here) I think some of the uncertainty is down to his reluctance to cooperate with the hospital and seek a more comprehensive diagnosis.
Anyway, alcohol is known to seriously agrevate asthma and COPD through various mechanisms. I'm assuming he has some lung disease if he's on steroid and bronchodilation/antispasmodic inhalers - so it could be that.
Also, patients who overuse inhalers can give themselves a very rapid heartbeat and this in turn can induce slight panic, which makes them use the inhalers even more.
Finally, as I said above, it's also possible fluid in his abdomen (ascites) is taking up some of the space the lungs need and is putting upwards pressure on them. In addition, fluid can accumulate in the space between the lungs and ribs. (pleural effusion ) All of these things can impact breathing.
I'm of course in no way saying this is what's happening but it's worth monitoring closely and definitely needs addressing by a Dr if he starts to struggle further.
As others have said previously, I'm really sorry you're having to deal with all of this and do know that you're not alone.
Many people check in on threads and whilst they may not respond - they are very much thinking of you.
Very Best
Thank you for Your replies.He does have asthma which has got much worse over the last couple of years.
I am hyper alert with him and concerned what is causing his breathing.
I will try to get him to see our gp.
Would these conditions be picked up with blood tests ?
You'd need a physical exam at the very least but the truth is only a scan would confirm ascites. Blood gasses are sometimes used to confirm hepatopulmonary syndrome (along with patient history and comorbidities)
Obviously up to date blood work also has great merit. In other words, full liver panel, FBC, renal and lipid profile etc.
It's worth saying that these comprehensive bloods are actually performed way more often than most patients think - they are just not openly shared - they are not kept secret but you have to chase them down or log into a patient portal to see them all.
In addition, whilst you are hoping to get him a GP appointment, you could try to get hold of an oximeter (quite easy to find and use from a trusted pharmacy/brand). It may bring some interim peace of mind if his oxygen levels are normal and help you assess things at home going forward.
Above all, only take your Dr's advice and please keep us posted.
not the worse problem to have
Ongoing tummy problems
Liver problems and INR
Eyesight problems with Cirrhosis.
Another medical problem 
