Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 4513

Shown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Shortness of breath

Posted by Mare on April 7, 1999, at 8:10:00

Before I was diagnosed as clinically depressed, I was having bouts of shortness of breath which would last for weeks at a time. My GP shrugged it off, but it was very annoying to me. After I started taking Celexa, this has stopped. Could it have been some sort of anxiety reaction? I have never had anxiety or panic attacks like alot of others do, but just curious about this.

 

Re: Shortness of breath

Posted by alison on April 14, 1999, at 2:01:26

In reply to Shortness of breath, posted by Mare on April 7, 1999, at 8:10:00

> Before I was diagnosed as clinically depressed, I was having bouts of shortness of breath which would last for weeks at a time. My GP shrugged it off, but it was very annoying to me. After I started taking Celexa, this has stopped. Could it have been some sort of anxiety reaction? I have never had anxiety or panic attacks like alot of others do, but just curious about this.

I also suffer from shortness of breath, I take deep breaths all the time as I feel as though I cant get enough air in my lungs. This has been going on for about one and a half months.
Same with me my doctor has just told me not to worry as it is most likely to be anxiety. I find it quite distressing sometimes. I also suffer panic attacks (see my first entry at the beginning of April)
I dont know what to do.

 

Re: Shortness of breath

Posted by Mare on April 15, 1999, at 8:36:55

In reply to Re: Shortness of breath, posted by alison on April 14, 1999, at 2:01:26


Allison -- are you on any meds for your depression/anxiety? You've got to make sure your doctor addresses this, because it can be quite distressing. Once when I had a dentist appointment, I was sure I was going to die in the chair because I couldn't catch my breath. It was terrible.

 

Re: Shortness of breath

Posted by alison on April 15, 1999, at 21:51:19

In reply to Re: Shortness of breath, posted by Mare on April 15, 1999, at 8:36:55

>
> Allison -- are you on any meds for your depression/anxiety? You've got to make sure your doctor addresses this, because it can be quite distressing. Once when I had a dentist appointment, I was sure I was going to die in the chair because I couldn't catch my breath. It was terrible.

Mare,
I suffer from panic attacks, dissociation, and depression. I am currently on 200mg of zoloft a day, and I also find Hypericum (St Johns Wort herb) to be very effective.
I also have very mild asthma and use flixotide and ventolin for that. My Dr. checked my peak flow and listened to my lungs, and he said anxiety. I havent always had this problem though, with the shortness of breath.
I find it very annoying as I am trying to go for a walk every day now and I find that I am puffing after a short distance !! Makes me feel old and I am only 25 !!!

 

Re: Shortness of breath

Posted by kim ashley on December 5, 1999, at 16:49:44

In reply to Re: Shortness of breath, posted by alison on April 15, 1999, at 21:51:19

> >
> > Allison -- are you on any meds for your depression/anxiety? You've got to make sure your doctor addresses this, because it can be quite distressing. Once when I had a dentist appointment, I was sure I was going to die in the chair because I couldn't catch my breath. It was terrible.
>
> Mare,
> I suffer from panic attacks, dissociation, and depression. I am currently on 200mg of zoloft a day, and I also find Hypericum (St Johns Wort herb) to be very effective.
> I also have very mild asthma and use flixotide and ventolin for that. My Dr. checked my peak flow and listened to my lungs, and he said anxiety. I havent always had this problem though, with the shortness of breath.
> I find it very annoying as I am trying to go for a walk every day now and I find that I am puffing after a short distance !! Makes me feel old and I am only 25 !!!

Shortness of breath, panic attacks, and depression can all by symptoms of lyme disease.

 

Re: Shortness of breath

Posted by Connie@afnetinc.com on December 7, 1999, at 8:26:17

In reply to Re: Shortness of breath, posted by kim ashley on December 5, 1999, at 16:49:44

Shortness of breath and feelings of smothering are symtoms my sister has with her depression/anxiety. It is very freightening. Controlling her anxiety seems to control her smothering sensation.

Also, I have found that if I am using my asthma inhaler and the drug is getting low and I am not aware that it is already running out, my bronchioles go into spasms that to me feel like I am really suffocating. My pharmacist told me what that was. Also, recently, some inhalers were withdrawn from the market because they didn't contain any drug, just the spray solution itself.

 

Re: Shortness of breath

Posted by Scott L. Schofield on December 8, 1999, at 10:07:00

In reply to Shortness of breath, posted by Mare on April 7, 1999, at 8:10:00

> Before I was diagnosed as clinically depressed, I was having bouts of shortness of breath which would last for weeks at a time. My GP shrugged it off, but it was very annoying to me. After I started taking Celexa, this has stopped. Could it have been some sort of anxiety reaction? I have never had anxiety or panic attacks like alot of others do, but just curious about this.

I experience shortness of breath and fatigue after climbing a flight of stairs. Actually, this starts even before I reach the top. Performing other small activities causes the same thing.

Also, I experience something that feels like an inability to get a full breath of air. No matter how deeply I try to inhale, it feels like the need for the breath remains unsatisfied. This occurs at any time, even if I sit on my butt all day. I also find myself sighing from time to time.

All of this stuff happens without the presence of anxiety. I have been diagnosed as bipolar, and these symptoms are part of my depressed state. This sort of thing is not uncommon in depression. The few times that I have responded to an antidepressant, these symptoms disappeared.


- Scott

 

Re: Shortness of breath

Posted by andrewb on December 8, 1999, at 10:56:44

In reply to Re: Shortness of breath, posted by Scott L. Schofield on December 8, 1999, at 10:07:00

Scott,

Its interesting those symptoms go away with your depression. I seem to remember hearing that there was a connection between asthma and serotonin. There is an antidepressant from overseas called tianeptine that is not only effective for anxiety and depression but also asthma. Tianeptine ironically increases the uptake of serotonin. Its mechanism of antidepressant action though is probably through cortisol reduction or by way of increasing norepinephrine in parts of the brain.

 

Re: Shortness of breath/ more info.

Posted by andrewb on December 8, 1999, at 11:21:19

In reply to Re: Shortness of breath, posted by andrewb on December 8, 1999, at 10:56:44

> Scott,

Here is an abstract of a study concerning serotonin, asthma and tianeptine:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Neuropharmacologic treatment of bronchial asthma with the antidepressant tianeptine: a double-blind, crossover placebo-controlled study
by
Lechin F, van der Dijs B, Orozco B, Jara H, Rada I, Lechin ME, Lechin AE
Section of Psychopharmacology,
Institute of Experimental Medicine,
Central University of Venezuela, Caracas.
flechin@telcel.net.ve
Clin Pharmacol Ther 1998 Aug; 64(2):223-32

ABSTRACT

Studies have shown the levels of free serotonin in plasma are increased in symptomatic
patients with asthma. In addition, the concentration of free serotonin in symptomatic
children with asthma correlates positively with clinical status and negatively with
pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]). Thus, reducing the
concentration of free serotonin in plasma may be useful in treating children with asthma. We
studied the effectiveness of tianeptine in treating these patients. Tianeptine is the only drug
known to be able to reduce the level of free serotonin in plasma and to enhance the uptake by
platelets. Sixty-nine of the 82 children with asthma initially enrolled participated in this
study. Children were randomized to receive tianeptine or placebo or both in a double-blind
crossover trial. The trial lasted 52 weeks. Tianeptine provoked a dramatic and sudden decrease
of both clinical rating and free serotonin plasma levels and an increase in pulmonary
function.

 

Re: Shortness of breath/

Posted by Sheila A. Fields on June 2, 2000, at 11:44:51

In reply to Re: Shortness of breath, posted by Mare on April 15, 1999, at 8:36:55

>
> I have been diagnosed with Asthma, and emphysema. I am 58 years old and I seem to be having trouble with shortness of breath and after eating I am uncomfortable with indigestion. I am taking singulair and serevent and I seem to be relying on Pepcid to releave the discomfort.

 

Re: Shortness of breath/ » Sheila A. Fields

Posted by Noa on June 2, 2000, at 16:21:16

In reply to Re: Shortness of breath/, posted by Sheila A. Fields on June 2, 2000, at 11:44:51

I don't know what happened to my first response to your post, so I'll repeat it.......

I have not had this effect. It sounds serious enough to warrant calling the doctor right away, don't you think?

 

Re: Shortness of breath/

Posted by Elaine on June 2, 2000, at 19:59:34

In reply to Re: Shortness of breath/ » Sheila A. Fields, posted by Noa on June 2, 2000, at 16:21:16

> I have had shortness of breath periodically for quite some time. My doctor thinks I must have reflux although I never suffer from heartburn. I also have problems swallowing at times. Does anyone know any quick fixes, exercises, or something to help with the shortness of breath? Sometimes I feel as if I did some vigorous exercise and got my heartrate up, it would help me catch my breath. Does this make any sense?


 

Indigestion and SOB

Posted by Jennifer on June 3, 2000, at 5:27:22

In reply to Re: Shortness of breath/, posted by Elaine on June 2, 2000, at 19:59:34

Hey guys, where do all these docs come from that don't explain how asthma is affected by reflux?! You can have reflux and have no idea. It doesn't have to come all the way up, or cause a burning sensation. Over 50% of people with reflux have no idea they have it. When there is a reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus - even if you don't know it- the nerve endings in the esophagus become irritated which in turns causes bronchospasm (shrinking of the air tubes). This can be especially worse after eating and at bedtime. Your doc was right to have you try an antacid for awhile...it can take a few weeks to see the difference. Also with antacids, you need to be sure and take them at least one hour before or after your other meds because they can interfere with absorption.
So, imagine it's late spring (ie:June) and flowers and grass are blooming everywhere. You notice an increase in your asthma. The bronchioles in the base of your lung begin to tighten..you feel SOB. Then, reflux tells your lungs to shrink down too and not only are the bronchioles at the base of your lungs tight, but the larger airways at the top are tight too. Hmm..sounds like extreme SOB for which your inhaler helps, but does not completely relieve.
What to do...*(1)lose weight if your overweight. The extra weight pushes on the stomach to cause reflux.(2)Eat sitting at the table, slowly, without a ton of conversation to avoid swallowing air that can cause belching and reflux. (3) Take antacids as prescribed by your physician and (4) don't eat/drink anything 1.5 hrs before bedtime so your stomach is empty when you lie down.
Oh, and you can get quite a bit of chest pain from the reflux, that can seem like your heart or lungs. After checking with your doctor to rule those things out...wonderful reflux is most likely your friend!
As far as excersing and getting your heart rate up, you are looking for the "fight or flight" response that is the same your inhaler gives. The bad possiblity is that when you go out to run, you are exposing yourself to even more asthma triggers PLUS you are greatly increasing your bodies oxygen demands - of which you are already in low supply. Best bet is to use your inhaler. A lot of people do not use it correctly. Be sure you don't put it in your mouth so all the med sticks to the inside of your mouth. Hold it an inch or so away, then spray on an inhalation. Also remember to wait a full minute before your second inhalation. The first one opens up the top of your lungs, and then the second spray gets down further, and you feel a lot better. Hope this mismatch of info helps someone! Jennifer

> > I have had shortness of breath periodically for quite some time. My doctor thinks I must have reflux although I never suffer from heartburn. I also have problems swallowing at times. Does anyone know any quick fixes, exercises, or something to help with the shortness of breath? Sometimes I feel as if I did some vigorous exercise and got my heartrate up, it would help me catch my breath. Does this make any sense?

 

Re: Indigestion and SOB

Posted by Noa on June 3, 2000, at 13:33:15

In reply to Indigestion and SOB, posted by Jennifer on June 3, 2000, at 5:27:22

Let me add a word about apnea, too, because it can be linked with both reflux and asthma.

I used to have HORRIBLE reflux. I would wake up suddenly in the night, totally unable to breath. It felt like literally the end of my life. It would seem like a long time, though I know it was probably not as long as I thought, of totally choking, not able to take in any air at all. I would really feel I was checking out for good.

What I learned later was that the total cessation of breath was caused by a complete spasm of the vocal chords, which do this to protect themselves from the stomach acid. I didn't know it when I was breathless, but I was not going to die, because the larynx spasm would ease up within a minute or less.

Then, independent of this problem, I figured out I had obstructive sleep apnea--from dreams of being under water and unable to get to the surface to breathe. I had myself evaluated in a sleep clinic, and after diagnosis, started using a nasal CPAP machine. Once this occurred, I never had reflux again!! The guy who sold me the CPAP, who is a respiratory therapist and an apnea patient himself, explained that the pressure caused by struggling for air can cause reflux, and it is common for folks with apnea to have reflux.

In any event, even if you do not have apnea, it is conceivable that your reflux occurs while you are asleep and are unaware of it. A sleep eval might be a good idea. Or, just try treating the reflux and see if it makes a difference. It is important to treat it for at least two reasons. First, is the shortness of breath, and like Jen said, the risk of worsening asthma over time. Second, reflux can lead to esophageal cancer.

One more little thing: it is possible that some meds contribute to the problem. Some meds cause muscle relaxation, which can lead to reflux, because the sphincter muscle that keeps food and acid in the stomach from going into the esophagus, could become slack. Also, slack muscle tone could contribute to apnea as well.

 

Re: Indigestion and SOB-Noa

Posted by Jennifer on June 4, 2000, at 0:30:02

In reply to Re: Indigestion and SOB, posted by Noa on June 3, 2000, at 13:33:15

Great addition on the apnea! I just got my sleep study results and I have apnea 9 times an hour. Decreases on my right side, but I just can't sleep that way. Waiting until after my endocrine visit for hypercortisol next week before deciding on CPAP, but I wouldn't hesitate for a second after that because it can be so helpful. Also found out I have little REM sleep...If you have any ideas that would be great. I'm going to post a question about it. Jennifer

> Let me add a word about apnea, too, because it can be linked with both reflux and asthma.
>
> I used to have HORRIBLE reflux. I would wake up suddenly in the night, totally unable to breath. It felt like literally the end of my life. It would seem like a long time, though I know it was probably not as long as I thought, of totally choking, not able to take in any air at all. I would really feel I was checking out for good.
>
> What I learned later was that the total cessation of breath was caused by a complete spasm of the vocal chords, which do this to protect themselves from the stomach acid. I didn't know it when I was breathless, but I was not going to die, because the larynx spasm would ease up within a minute or less.
>
> Then, independent of this problem, I figured out I had obstructive sleep apnea--from dreams of being under water and unable to get to the surface to breathe. I had myself evaluated in a sleep clinic, and after diagnosis, started using a nasal CPAP machine. Once this occurred, I never had reflux again!! The guy who sold me the CPAP, who is a respiratory therapist and an apnea patient himself, explained that the pressure caused by struggling for air can cause reflux, and it is common for folks with apnea to have reflux.
>
> In any event, even if you do not have apnea, it is conceivable that your reflux occurs while you are asleep and are unaware of it. A sleep eval might be a good idea. Or, just try treating the reflux and see if it makes a difference. It is important to treat it for at least two reasons. First, is the shortness of breath, and like Jen said, the risk of worsening asthma over time. Second, reflux can lead to esophageal cancer.
>
> One more little thing: it is possible that some meds contribute to the problem. Some meds cause muscle relaxation, which can lead to reflux, because the sphincter muscle that keeps food and acid in the stomach from going into the esophagus, could become slack. Also, slack muscle tone could contribute to apnea as well.

 

Re: Indigestion and SOB-Noa

Posted by Noa on June 4, 2000, at 12:46:36

In reply to Re: Indigestion and SOB-Noa, posted by Jennifer on June 4, 2000, at 0:30:02

I also had very little REM sleep--about 25% of normal. No wonder I was craving sleep all the time, but could never seem to get enough. My oxygen saturation went down to about 88%, which is significant, although nothing compared to bob's, which was really low--in the 60's, I think. Essentially that means starving your brain of oxygen for much of the night.

I had an average of 43 events/hour. When I found that out, I was stunned. The idea of not breathing that many times per hour. Fortunately, my apnea events were not cosidered to be that long in duration (hence not having terrible oxygen desaturation)--long enough to be called apnea, but not as long as some folks.

BTW, in addition to the links among/between apnea, reflux, asthma, depression, headache, etc., there is also a connection with hypothyroid. Here's my very unprofessional understanding: apparently, when you are hypothyroid, your tissues can swell, which can contribute to airway blockage. Also, if your hypothyroid causes enlargement of the thyroid gland itself, that can contribute to airway blockage, because there is only so much real estate in the neck area, and when one thing takes up more than its share, well, you get the picture. I also have heard the idea that apnea can in turn exacerbate hypothyroid, too. Don't know.

So, you can see how intertwined all these systems can be and how subtle the connections can be and how easy it is to overlook a problem that might be contributing to other problems.

Good luck with your endo follow up, and with the CPAP. Have you been to the sleep forum site--there is lots of good info there. I also got info from a book called Snoring and Sleep Apnea : Personal and Family Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment
by Ralph A., Md Pascualy, Sally Warren Soest

After doing some research on my own, via the internet and this book, and meeting some good people at a support group (which has since disbanded due to dwindling participation), I felt I knew more than my GP, who kept giving me the same canned blurb about apnea each time I saw her. I like her but she didn't know much about this. But I had to go through her to get my sleep test.

Anyway, good luck.

 

Re: Indigestion/SOB-to Noa

Posted by Jennifer on June 5, 2000, at 4:53:14

In reply to Re: Indigestion and SOB-Noa, posted by Noa on June 4, 2000, at 12:46:36

Thanks for the info. Hypothyroid has been completely ruled out..no chance there. I haven't been to the sleep forum site, so I'll give that I try. Thanks again, Jennifer
> I also had very little REM sleep--about 25% of normal. No wonder I was craving sleep all the time, but could never seem to get enough. My oxygen saturation went down to about 88%, which is significant, although nothing compared to bob's, which was really low--in the 60's, I think. Essentially that means starving your brain of oxygen for much of the night.
>
> I had an average of 43 events/hour. When I found that out, I was stunned. The idea of not breathing that many times per hour. Fortunately, my apnea events were not cosidered to be that long in duration (hence not having terrible oxygen desaturation)--long enough to be called apnea, but not as long as some folks.
>
> BTW, in addition to the links among/between apnea, reflux, asthma, depression, headache, etc., there is also a connection with hypothyroid. Here's my very unprofessional understanding: apparently, when you are hypothyroid, your tissues can swell, which can contribute to airway blockage. Also, if your hypothyroid causes enlargement of the thyroid gland itself, that can contribute to airway blockage, because there is only so much real estate in the neck area, and when one thing takes up more than its share, well, you get the picture. I also have heard the idea that apnea can in turn exacerbate hypothyroid, too. Don't know.
>
> So, you can see how intertwined all these systems can be and how subtle the connections can be and how easy it is to overlook a problem that might be contributing to other problems.
>
> Good luck with your endo follow up, and with the CPAP. Have you been to the sleep forum site--there is lots of good info there. I also got info from a book called Snoring and Sleep Apnea : Personal and Family Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment
> by Ralph A., Md Pascualy, Sally Warren Soest
>
> After doing some research on my own, via the internet and this book, and meeting some good people at a support group (which has since disbanded due to dwindling participation), I felt I knew more than my GP, who kept giving me the same canned blurb about apnea each time I saw her. I like her but she didn't know much about this. But I had to go through her to get my sleep test.
>
> Anyway, good luck.

 

Re: Indigestion and SOB » Jennifer

Posted by Michele1 on November 24, 2000, at 3:59:47

In reply to Indigestion and SOB, posted by Jennifer on June 3, 2000, at 5:27:22

Thanks for the info. My son had some reflux problems this summer. We got the reflux pain under control with diet and Zantac. Shortly after it was under control, he started complaining it was hard for him to breathe. He said it felt like he couldn't get enough air when he would take a deep breath. I took him to the doctor and he was diagnosed with asthma. He is currently using Maxair and Serevent(inhalers), but they don't seem to help much. The doctor says his breathing sounds better, but my son still complains of SOB. Does anyone have any suggestions?

> Hey guys, where do all these docs come from that don't explain how asthma is affected by reflux?! You can have reflux and have no idea. It doesn't have to come all the way up, or cause a burning sensation. Over 50% of people with reflux have no idea they have it. When there is a reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus - even if you don't know it- the nerve endings in the esophagus become irritated which in turns causes bronchospasm (shrinking of the air tubes). This can be especially worse after eating and at bedtime. Your doc was right to have you try an antacid for awhile...it can take a few weeks to see the difference. Also with antacids, you need to be sure and take them at least one hour before or after your other meds because they can interfere with absorption.
> So, imagine it's late spring (ie:June) and flowers and grass are blooming everywhere. You notice an increase in your asthma. The bronchioles in the base of your lung begin to tighten..you feel SOB. Then, reflux tells your lungs to shrink down too and not only are the bronchioles at the base of your lungs tight, but the larger airways at the top are tight too. Hmm..sounds like extreme SOB for which your inhaler helps, but does not completely relieve.
> What to do...*(1)lose weight if your overweight. The extra weight pushes on the stomach to cause reflux.(2)Eat sitting at the table, slowly, without a ton of conversation to avoid swallowing air that can cause belching and reflux. (3) Take antacids as prescribed by your physician and (4) don't eat/drink anything 1.5 hrs before bedtime so your stomach is empty when you lie down.
> Oh, and you can get quite a bit of chest pain from the reflux, that can seem like your heart or lungs. After checking with your doctor to rule those things out...wonderful reflux is most likely your friend!
> As far as excersing and getting your heart rate up, you are looking for the "fight or flight" response that is the same your inhaler gives. The bad possiblity is that when you go out to run, you are exposing yourself to even more asthma triggers PLUS you are greatly increasing your bodies oxygen demands - of which you are already in low supply. Best bet is to use your inhaler. A lot of people do not use it correctly. Be sure you don't put it in your mouth so all the med sticks to the inside of your mouth. Hold it an inch or so away, then spray on an inhalation. Also remember to wait a full minute before your second inhalation. The first one opens up the top of your lungs, and then the second spray gets down further, and you feel a lot better. Hope this mismatch of info helps someone! Jennifer
>
> > > I have had shortness of breath periodically for quite some time. My doctor thinks I must have reflux although I never suffer from heartburn. I also have problems swallowing at times. Does anyone know any quick fixes, exercises, or something to help with the shortness of breath? Sometimes I feel as if I did some vigorous exercise and got my heartrate up, it would help me catch my breath. Does this make any sense?


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