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Suggest Treatment For Difficulty Breathing Caused After AV Node Ablation
Question: If phrenic nerve damage or breathing problems appear post av ablation (sp?) is there anything that can relieve the sensation of not being able to get a full breath? The procedure was successful in that no av-fib has taken place post op
Brief Answer:
Positional modifications help improve symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Symptoms of unilateral phrenic nerve damage vary from very mild ones to moderate ones, this depends on previous lungs and heart condition.
Mild symptoms related to breathing can be eased by certain maneuvers that point in reducing abdominal pressure.
These include avoiding bending over, avoiding lifting weights, sleeping with two pillows ( full supine position worsen the symptoms).
Short term use of laxatives help in reducing abdominal pressure, improving this way breathing.
In certain cases nocturnal ventilatory support is used.
These measures are temporary, as time passes, gradually abdominal muscles compensate the diaphragmatic insuficiency.
If symptoms worsen more aggressive treatment needed ( diaphragm plication by surgery).
Hope this helps. I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.
Best regards.
Positional modifications help improve symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Symptoms of unilateral phrenic nerve damage vary from very mild ones to moderate ones, this depends on previous lungs and heart condition.
Mild symptoms related to breathing can be eased by certain maneuvers that point in reducing abdominal pressure.
These include avoiding bending over, avoiding lifting weights, sleeping with two pillows ( full supine position worsen the symptoms).
Short term use of laxatives help in reducing abdominal pressure, improving this way breathing.
In certain cases nocturnal ventilatory support is used.
These measures are temporary, as time passes, gradually abdominal muscles compensate the diaphragmatic insuficiency.
If symptoms worsen more aggressive treatment needed ( diaphragm plication by surgery).
Hope this helps. I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.
Best regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
I am 3 yrs an ex smoker with diagnosed COPD. 26 days post-op having had an ablation (laser type) I believe. I woke up in recovery literally gasping for air. I was released and am still suffering the following symptoms:
I am always short of breath. I am completely unable to breathe when I bend over or if I lay flat or on my side. I am almost unable to "sniff." Like, if my nose was running I couldn't make it stop by sniffing. I can barely blow my nose too but it is a little better that my sniffing ability. It feels like my lungs only fill up about half way no matter how hard I try to get them full.
I have never had any of these symptoms. My claim of phrenic nerve damage is self diagnosed from internet research. Do you agree/disagree. What is my hope of full recovery compared to permanent injury?
I am always short of breath. I am completely unable to breathe when I bend over or if I lay flat or on my side. I am almost unable to "sniff." Like, if my nose was running I couldn't make it stop by sniffing. I can barely blow my nose too but it is a little better that my sniffing ability. It feels like my lungs only fill up about half way no matter how hard I try to get them full.
I have never had any of these symptoms. My claim of phrenic nerve damage is self diagnosed from internet research. Do you agree/disagree. What is my hope of full recovery compared to permanent injury?
Brief Answer:
Regarding to symptoms it may be phrenic nerve damage.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and thanks for further clarifications.
Regarding to your symptoms, they may be related to the phrenic nerve damage, but there is need for correct diagnosis after medical and imaging evaluation, not just self-diagnosis.
So, let's say I partially agree with your opinion.
Modifications I mentioned before should help improve your breathing problems.
Recovery depends on degree of nerve damage.
The degree is assessed by special nerve conduction study that measures response of diaphragm to electrical stimulation through the phrenic nerves.
Partial damage usually results in near-full recovery.
In my opinion, discussing all these issues with your treating Doctor, is the best thing for you.
He is aware if there was any possible phrenic nerve damage or not.
Hope I helped you. Wishing you good health.
Regarding to symptoms it may be phrenic nerve damage.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and thanks for further clarifications.
Regarding to your symptoms, they may be related to the phrenic nerve damage, but there is need for correct diagnosis after medical and imaging evaluation, not just self-diagnosis.
So, let's say I partially agree with your opinion.
Modifications I mentioned before should help improve your breathing problems.
Recovery depends on degree of nerve damage.
The degree is assessed by special nerve conduction study that measures response of diaphragm to electrical stimulation through the phrenic nerves.
Partial damage usually results in near-full recovery.
In my opinion, discussing all these issues with your treating Doctor, is the best thing for you.
He is aware if there was any possible phrenic nerve damage or not.
Hope I helped you. Wishing you good health.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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