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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Fatigue And Shortness Of Breath While Suffering From COPD?

Dear Dr. Rynne, Thank you for providing this opportunity to help me in searching for a way to understand what is happening to me. Very recently, I had a full-panel blood test, fecal sample, and urinalysis. Less recently I had a respiratory function test (three years ago), and so on. None of these tests showed any condition or pre-condition that is worrisome. I m 70 yrs. old and I m still working. However, for the last two years I have found it difficult to get out of bed on my days off...in fact, almost impossible. One thing that is clear to me is that I need to update the respiratory function test, but I m not sure where I should go from there. I had a 20-pack-year history of smoking, but I had quit for more than seven years before these symptoms came to the fore. Early background: I first noticed a problem with being short of breath when I was playing field hockey in college; Previously, I had grown up in a house where my mom was chain-smoking. I m fairly sure that I have COPD. So I understand my shortness of breath. And I can only guess that my inertness and lack of motivation are symptoms of COPD, but I m not sure if these are normal reactions to COPD or if they are indications of another problem altogether.. Is there any advice that you can give me? I would like to know what I could do to mitigate my symptoms or to test them further to find a more refined diagnosis. Thank you, Ellen Lanzano
Mon, 18 Mar 2019
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Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist,  's  Response
Hello,

Shortness of breath is common in COPD cases due to the pathology of the lung tissue and also the weakness of the muscles of respiration.

For cough facing by the individual usually a nebulizer is advised with the prescribed drug to get ease to bronchospasm.

But once it is ease, it is temporarily fine, because the major support to the respiratory system will be the rib cage and the muscles.

Usually, in COPD, the muscle of respiration is weak and it will tend to trouble the bucket handle and pump handle movement of the ribs and diaphragm.

Doing exercises for improving the strength of the respiratory muscles is advised without failing by most doctors.

I will advice you the same. As medicine is only a symptomatic but need is the improved muscle strength to have supported for the inspiration and expiration and control over the breath.

Usually, in my clinical practice of over 12 years with COPD cases, I recommend them to a cardiorespiratory physiotherapist so the exercise is done with guidance and pulmonary rehabilitation has provided good results and less fatigue in people suffering from COPD.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Jay Indravadan Patel, Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist
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What Causes Fatigue And Shortness Of Breath While Suffering From COPD?

Hello, Shortness of breath is common in COPD cases due to the pathology of the lung tissue and also the weakness of the muscles of respiration. For cough facing by the individual usually a nebulizer is advised with the prescribed drug to get ease to bronchospasm. But once it is ease, it is temporarily fine, because the major support to the respiratory system will be the rib cage and the muscles. Usually, in COPD, the muscle of respiration is weak and it will tend to trouble the bucket handle and pump handle movement of the ribs and diaphragm. Doing exercises for improving the strength of the respiratory muscles is advised without failing by most doctors. I will advice you the same. As medicine is only a symptomatic but need is the improved muscle strength to have supported for the inspiration and expiration and control over the breath. Usually, in my clinical practice of over 12 years with COPD cases, I recommend them to a cardiorespiratory physiotherapist so the exercise is done with guidance and pulmonary rehabilitation has provided good results and less fatigue in people suffering from COPD. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Jay Indravadan Patel, Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist