Shortness of Breath

larbabe · Post by **larbabe** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 11:47 pm

Hi all,
I realize this is a medical question and I'm working with my dr. Just wanted to see if anyone else has experiences or suggestions.

Been having some trouble with shortness of breath and edema. They ruled out congestive heart failure. Water pills are starting to help a little with the edema but not the breathing.

Any of you had trouble with shortness of breath or asthma made worse by cpap therapy?

Larry

alnhwrd · Post by **alnhwrd** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 2:26 am

Shortness of breath is an indicator of serious medical problems. I would push my doc for aggressive action on this. Talk to him immediately!

new-to-BiPAP · Post by **new-to-BiPAP** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 8:06 am

The first few days I had an increase in my asthma symptoms starting on Bi-level. I found out, at least for me, that my humidifier was too low. I was getting dried out and that was aggravating my asthma. But difficulty breathing is something to be taken very seriously! I also have issues with breathing when I get anxious or start to get sick. Sometimes it is difficult to tell if my breathing problem is anxiety or asthma...sometimes asthma causes anxiety which makes the breathing worse. Anyways...just my experiences...

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 9:17 am

Since cardiac problems have been ruled out how about a referral and visit w/a pulmonologist?

larbabe · Post by **larbabe** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 10:51 am

Thanks for the advice. I was pretty worried. Had a chest x-ray, echocardiogram & blood work. Big relief to know the heart's ok, but anxious to find out what's going on. My next appt is in a week, so I'll experiment with humidifier, asthma meds and relaxing.

Sure is nice to have a forum of friends with similar struggles and a willingness to share. Thanks!

CPAPManiac · Post by **CPAPManiac** » Wed Jul 23, 2008 9:06 pm

I also have experienced shortness of breath including chest pain much like you would have if you had heart problems. I have been using the CPAP about 5 Weeks. I went to the emergency room twice and spent one night in the hospital. I cannot increase the pressure to the target (13 cm) without suffering serious chest pain and shortness of breath. The breath shortness continues through out the next day. It is to the point that have to limit my activity. I am going to try adjusting my humidifer settings after reading this thread. I went through a bunch of tests on my heart, only to find out my heart is OK. (Tests: Nuclear Stress Test, Echo Cardiogram, Heart catheterization, Lung CT scan and PET scan) My lungs show to be clear, however I continue to have problems. I am going to a pulmonary doctor to see if I may have Asthma. I have never been diagnosed before. Good Luck!!!!!

larbabe · Post by **larbabe** » Wed Jul 23, 2008 10:34 pm

Thanks for posting and sharing. I'm still trying to find a solution. Please let us know how it goes for you. Could be just the thing for us all! Good luck!

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Wed Jul 23, 2008 11:43 pm

Taking any medication for Hypertension?

That is my guess, if you have just started on CPAP therapy, that will lower your blood pressure, if you are continuing to take it you might want to discuss it with your doctor about cutting back on the dose or switching to another type.

You may also have muscle cramps to go along with that.

Carefully evaluate any other medications you may be taking as a possible cause.