Breathing problems: What could be the cause?
Shortness of breath for 6 months. 4 pulmonologists, one says pulmonary fibrosis, no Covid issue, 2 Pft show restrictions, chest X-rays clear, latest sniff test shows right diaphragm paralyzed. No diagnosis yet.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Health Support Group.
Additionally info, lung damage may be due to long term gerd aspiration.
Hi there. Just came across your post. You mentioned pulmonary fibrosis. Is that a definite diagnosis or just a possibility? I have pulmonary fibrosis and was just at curious. Also what is the sniff test? I hope you are doing OK today. Kathleen
@eagle71, I see that you’ve also posted about digestive issues and have recently had a Nissen fundoplication surgery to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
You may be interested in reviewing the very popular discussion started by @gabrielm talking about shortness of breath, many of who mention GERD and more. See here:
- Mysterious shortness of breath https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mysterious-shortness-of-breath/
I’ll also ask the same question as @tessa2. Has the diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis been confirmed?
Yes, but not definitive
Hi @eagle71, Have any of the doctors given their input as to what the paralyzed part of the diaphragm might be caused from? Have you had any blood work done to indicate any nutrient deficiencies?
No blood work and no suspected cause
No speculation from 3 docs.. s**t happens
No chest trauma
I think it would help to get a blood panel done just to see if you have nutrient deficiencies.
One thing I learned from the Buteyko method was diaphragmatic breathing where you focus on breathing with your belly as opposed with your chest. This may help to strengthen your diaphragm and retrain it to breathe properly.
Throughout the day for a few minutes at a time you lie down or recline back and put one hand on your chest and one one your belly. You notice how you breathe and then gently and slowly and consciously use your belly to breathe- so you would control your belly to go up and done with your breathing.
Hi Susie. Yes it is definite diagnosis. Fibrosis in lungs from radiation
therapy years ago. They used higher doses back then so now chances of
fibrosis are less common. Kathy