shallow breathing and feeling claustrophobic

[leojohn]

My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease about 6 years ago.

Occasionally he complains that his breathing is very shallow and he feels claustrophobic.

(constipation is a chronic problem he has)

Comments please?

[Lincpolio]

My husband has post polio syndrome as well and has been respiratory tested and has mixed sleep apnoea too and uses a bi-level ventilator which makes a difference. He too has reduced air at times, voice almost disappears, suggest you ask for good respiratory assessment. Also constipation for years and we have tried all sorts... he now has anal irrigation but try juicing too that has helped in last few weeks. We make one up for him and he drinks it diluted in two parts during the day. This has also helped my issue with my post polio syndrome with slow moving digestive system .... juicing better than meds but remember to keep the sugar levels low. Look for low glycemic recipes.

[Dap1948]

Most people with PD shallow breathe without realising it. If you/they sigh or gasp a deep breathe from time to time, it's a sign. I realised that I did. The simple, non drug treatment is breathing exercises. I suggest you search 'Buteyko' on YouTube. There is a device you can use too, which focuses the mind, see smart-breathe.com. The principle of the exercises is that as we get older we do not hold the carbon dioxide inside us long enough for it to help the oxygen get into our cells. This affects our basic health and well being. I have been doing the exercises for three weeks so far and am already noticing more energy.

[cabbagecottage]

my husband will often say get me out of this straight jacket .

[Melodysam1890 in reply to cabbagecottage]

That's how I feel when I can't "catch a breath." I often head out of the house just to get "some fresh air" ... it does feel as if your body is in a straight jacket and all of the oxygen within your body is being squeezed out ...

[cabbagecottage in reply to Melodysam1890]

It's frightening

[cabbagecottage in reply to cabbagecottage]

Almost like the breathing pattern goes haywire

[redread]

I really have to push my husband to fight back against all of the debilitating aspects of PD. To help breathing, I ordered a Spiro meter from Amazon and put it where he can grab it two or 3x a day to practice deep breathing. He, too, has very shallow beeathing. Constipation is now under control with Senekot. He tried Mirapex and fiber, etc. Nothing worked as well as one Senekot am and pm. If needed, 2 pm. With PD, all body systems with muscles seem to slow down so we try to address each system. Even the food digestion in the stomach can slow down. The doctor called that a "motility" issue and there are meds to speed up the digestive process. So many things to consider!

[cabbagecottage in reply to redread]

Constipation is one of the biggest enemies . it prevents the mads form working properly . my husband takes the liquid Senna . It's the honest thing along with Movical

[redread]

Earlier, with regard to constipation,I wrote "mirapex" instead of "miralax." Sorry about that....2 completely different meds

[Donzim]

L Glutamine is very good for bowel movement. Dr ordered 1000 mg 3x daily and we add Align Probiotic and Activia yogurt. They do the trick.

[Hikoi]

Leojohn

If you do a search on this site on breathing problems you will find a number of threads on this topic. There are different causes, and the best way to work out what is happening is to keep a diary of when it happens in relation to meds. For me it indicates my dopamine levels are low so my muscles are not working as effectively.

[leojohn in reply to Hikoi]

Thank you,Hikoi.

The "wearing off" seems to be when my husband has this problem.

I don't think it is surprising then that it would be accompanied by claustrophobia.

Will taking medication earlier help?

I am very grateful to everyone who replied.

Thank you for your support.

[Hikoi in reply to leojohn]

Yes it is possible that it will be better if medication timing is adjusted. It feels like I can't expand my lungs enough to get a full breathe. In reality tests show that we are getting sufficient oxygen but still we have this sensation which is very real. I imagine it is from lack of dopamine so our intercostal muscles ( between our ribs) and our diaphragm don't work so well but that isn't proven, but wearing off is the cause. ( there are other causes too)

[rhenry45]

It is anxiety causing the problem with breathing