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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Breathing Difficulty. Have Chest Cold. What Course Of Action Is Recommended?

Good morning
I have had a chest cold for the past two weeks. I have had distressful breathing difficulty the past couple of nights. The breathing problem wakes my a causes me to stand up while trying to catch my breath. It similar to having the wind knocked out of you. I went to walk in clinic on Saturday and the doctor tested my heart rate and blood oxygen levels which were good. He also listened to me breath and checked my temperature with no abnormalities. I've looked up potential problems and it seems it could be PND. Would you agree? If so what would be the recommended course of action? Thanks
Sat, 8 Jun 2013
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hi there ~

I understand your concerns. PND may be a cause of your problems. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea may be caused in part by the depression of the respiratory center during sleep, which may reduce arterial oxygen tension, particularly in patients with interstitial lung disease and reduced pulmonary compliance. Also, in the horizontal position there is redistribution of blood volume from the lower extremities and splanchnic beds to the lungs (orthopnea). In normal individuals this has little effect, but in patients in whom the additional volume cannot be pumped out by the left ventricle because of disease, there is a significant reduction in vital capacity and pulmonary compliance with resultant shortness of breath. Additionally, in patients with congestive heart failure the pulmonary circulation may already be overloaded because the failing left ventricle is suddenly unable to match the output of a more normally functioning right ventricle; causing pulmonary congestion. It is also important to note that left-sided heart failure can lead to right-sided heart failure. Pulmonary congestion decreases when the patient assumes a more erect position, and this is accompanied by an improvement in symptoms. Treatment for paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea depends on the underlying cause. Options often include oxygen, diuretics, heart medications, antihypertensives, and bronchodilators to reverse wheezing. A consultation with a pulmonologist will clear your doubts. I hope this helps.

Take care and have a lovely day!
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Breathing Difficulty. Have Chest Cold. What Course Of Action Is Recommended?

Hi there ~ I understand your concerns. PND may be a cause of your problems. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea may be caused in part by the depression of the respiratory center during sleep, which may reduce arterial oxygen tension, particularly in patients with interstitial lung disease and reduced pulmonary compliance. Also, in the horizontal position there is redistribution of blood volume from the lower extremities and splanchnic beds to the lungs (orthopnea). In normal individuals this has little effect, but in patients in whom the additional volume cannot be pumped out by the left ventricle because of disease, there is a significant reduction in vital capacity and pulmonary compliance with resultant shortness of breath. Additionally, in patients with congestive heart failure the pulmonary circulation may already be overloaded because the failing left ventricle is suddenly unable to match the output of a more normally functioning right ventricle; causing pulmonary congestion. It is also important to note that left-sided heart failure can lead to right-sided heart failure. Pulmonary congestion decreases when the patient assumes a more erect position, and this is accompanied by an improvement in symptoms. Treatment for paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea depends on the underlying cause. Options often include oxygen, diuretics, heart medications, antihypertensives, and bronchodilators to reverse wheezing. A consultation with a pulmonologist will clear your doubts. I hope this helps. Take care and have a lovely day!