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In my most recent pulmonary function test I ran out of air early. Volume was OK, just didn't last as long as the technician thought I should.

Perhaps this is the same thing.

JDS74 wrote:In my most recent pulmonary function test I ran out of air early. Volume was OK, just didn't last as long as the technician thought I should.

Perhaps this is the same thing.

Another good thought.

While I discount no possibility, I would think logically if it were related to a blockage it would manifest itself during all kinds of exertion, not just speaking. Again, the thallium stress test in January was clean-even though I know they aren't always 100% accurate.

Some kinds of asthma are called bronchial spasms. They feel the same way.

It could be related to your voice box. Speaking is different from exercise. Speaking requires minute adjustments of air rather then deep gulps. You may want a referral to a speech therapist. Your medical issues may have damaged something related to speech, either your speech centre and/or the physical equipment (diaphragm, voice box).

A PFT(pulmonary function test) administered by a Pulmo might give you some answers. Sounds like some sort of asthma/COPD which I have. Many times when I answer my phone people ask me if I've been running around when I've been sitting still. Just a thought.

BlackSpinner, DoriC-both excellent posts and things I had never thought of.

I appreciate the thoughts.

Has the pitch or delivery of your voice changed?

This could be my imagination but I think my breathing patterns have changed since starting CPAP. Perhaps there is less stress as well a fatigue when I'm awake or I'm more relaxed because of fewer of those fight or flight CNS alerts/panic attacks while sleeping. Anyway I've noticed a change in my vocalizations with CPAP to what seems to be a lower pitched, less nasal, more diaphramic voice. A voice that requires more air?

rkuntz123 wrote:Has the pitch or delivery of your voice changed?

This could be my imagination but I think my breathing patterns have changed since starting CPAP. Perhaps there is less stress as well a fatigue when I'm awake or I'm more relaxed because of fewer of those fight or flight CNS alerts/panic attacks while sleeping. Anyway I've noticed a change in my vocalizations with CPAP to what seems to be a lower pitched, less nasal, more diaphramic voice. A voice that requires more air?

In a sense, yes.

Much of the time I seem to sound a bit hoarse.

Your thoughts may also be good possibilities.

old dude wrote:

rkuntz123 wrote:Has the pitch or delivery of your voice changed?

This could be my imagination but I think my breathing patterns have changed since starting CPAP. Perhaps there is less stress as well a fatigue when I'm awake or I'm more relaxed because of fewer of those fight or flight CNS alerts/panic attacks while sleeping. Anyway I've noticed a change in my vocalizations with CPAP to what seems to be a lower pitched, less nasal, more diaphramic voice. A voice that requires more air?

In a sense, yes.

Much of the time I seem to sound a bit hoarse.

Your thoughts may also be good possibilities.

That sounds like a problem with the larynx. You might also want to investigate acid reflux (GERD) damaging it.

I have a vocal cord dysfuntion that manifests as shortness of breath on speaking, hoarseness and a breathy or gravely phonation to my speech. I've actually wondered if CPAP makes it worse though I've had it for years prior to PAP therapy. If no other doc. finds anything you might try an ENT to see if its a laryngeal problem. I'm actually getting vocal (speech) therapy recommended by my ENT. Symptoms can be very annoying. Good luck in your search for answers.

Snoozy18 wrote:I have a vocal cord dysfuntion that manifests as shortness of breath on speaking, hoarseness and a breathy or gravely phonation to my speech. I've actually wondered if CPAP makes it worse though I've had it for years prior to PAP therapy. If no other doc. finds anything you might try an ENT to see if its a laryngeal problem. I'm actually getting vocal (speech) therapy recommended by my ENT. Symptoms can be very annoying. Good luck in your search for answers.

Excellent advice! I have a really good ENT so I'm thinking that might be the most logical next step, thanks.

BlackSpinner wrote:

old dude wrote:

rkuntz123 wrote:Has the pitch or delivery of your voice changed?

This could be my imagination but I think my breathing patterns have changed since starting CPAP. Perhaps there is less stress as well a fatigue when I'm awake or I'm more relaxed because of fewer of those fight or flight CNS alerts/panic attacks while sleeping. Anyway I've noticed a change in my vocalizations with CPAP to what seems to be a lower pitched, less nasal, more diaphramic voice. A voice that requires more air?

In a sense, yes.

Much of the time I seem to sound a bit hoarse.

Your thoughts may also be good possibilities.

That sounds like a problem with the larynx. You might also want to investigate acid reflux (GERD) damaging it.

BackSpiner, I do indeed have GERD, including the silent type-forgot the name/acronym for it.

I'm taking two different meds for it and I think it's under good control.