Shortness of breath - help please

[Epsilon12]

My wife was diagnosed with PSP two months ago. She has suffered shortness of breath for some while, getting significantly worse from last November onward. There have been various other investigations (cardiac, respiratory) but no explanation for her breathlessness. Does anyone have any info or experience of shortness of breath as a potential symptom of PSP? If so, please let us know, and whether there is anything to help deal with it.

[Latetodayman]

Have they checked for Copd my husband recently died of PSP and Copd ran alongside his illness causing shortness of breath he had to have a CPAP machine on overnight and then as he got worse he had a Bipap machine on sometimes he had excessive carbon dioxide in his blood they said is was because his lungs did not expel it properly.We were told it was because muscles weren't working properly. Hope this helps .Wishing you all the best on your journey. X

[Purrlie]

Hello Epsilon12,

My husband had mild asthma and we presumed the greater shortness of breath he began to experience as the PSP progressed was the reason. No other cause was investigated. Our doctor prescribed a nebulizer with Teva-Budesonide twice a day and Salbutamol up to 4 times a day as needed. The regular application of Budesonide seemed to do the trick, and his shortness of breath subsided. He did have puffers before, but when the shortness of breath became greater, he found that he simply did not have the strength to take in a really deep breath to make them effective. And the explanation by Latetodayman about loss of muscle makes a lot of sense. We just did not consider it. But the nebulizer did help. I send you and your wife all best wishes and a hug. Purrlie

[daddyt]

I experience shortnes of breath. After completing a cardio-pulminary function test, the respirologist noted that the muscles required for breathing were working at least 50% less than they should. Conclusion - weakened muscles due to PSP.

Tim

[Stephanielayell82]

Yes it goes with PSP they take baby breaths for long period of time with no deep breathing. There are exercises that can help speech therapy can help with them to find one that your loved one is able to do. But the muscles get weaker with this disease. Hope you find a way to help her soon.

[Runner333]

My husband describes his breathing as he has difficulty getting a deep breath. He has been using The Breather (bought on Amazon) exerciser to try to help. It seems to me that exerciser maybe helping the breathing muscles a little bit. His breathing is most challenging in the morning. Does anyone have any thoughts about this?

[timbowPSP]

Hello to Epsilon and others PSPers with breathing problems. I am just 80, diagnosis PSP 3.5 yrs ago. Have put lots of protocols in place to help: targeted exercise, diet, supplements, and therapies. Latest trial is Lions Mane tabs (said to regenerate brain cells). NOW breathing becoming rapidly worse: so X-rays this week, and to start on a breathing program: either Yoga or Buteyko ... any advice? Forcurrent aids and future needs we found the local OT was really helpful. I've made a 3-page summary of my 'journey', with lots of useful hints. Can splatter it all over here, or happy to send to anybody if you give me ur email. Reminder: PSP stands for 'Please Stay Positive!'