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shortness of breath as related to PMR

Posted , 18 users are following.

carol_ann35477
carol_ann35477

Hi Eilean,  I read in a discussion that Shortness of Breath was not uncommon with this condition because it can affect respiratory muscles as well.   I am wondering if this can ever be an early symptom.    I had been experiencing problems with breathing with exertion for a few years which was gradually getting worse.   I saw a respirologist and had just about every lung test done with them all not showing anything to cause it.   They then did an antihistamine test and decided perhaps I had asthma, but I do not think I did as the inhalers did not help, but when he put me on prednisone my breathing was much better and I generally felt much better.   It was not until a year or so later that my muscles in my legs and arms began to feel extremely weak and I had pain especially in my arms and shoulders.    At the time I felt that my Dr. did not understand or perhaps believe how weak and unwell that I felt.   Have you ever heard of breathing problems being an early symptom prior to the others?   Thanks

Carol Ann

1 like, 23 replies

23 Replies

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  • margaret89358
    margaret89358 carol_ann35477

    Posted

    Hi Carol Ann my breathlessness started March’17 when I was diagnosed with PMR and put on 20mg of Pred. As I had to increase pred back to 20mg a few weeks ago because of a flare and going on holiday it was the Pitts, I could not breathe with my mouth closed not a pretty sight. I am hoping as I reduce the breathlessness with hopefully get better. Don’t think you are alone there is always someone that have or had some of the symptoms you are experiencing. I’m dreading the cold weather.

    Take care.

     

    • carol_ann35477
      carol_ann35477 margaret89358

      Posted

      thanks Margaret,  I am also not looking forward to the cold weather.  I am in Canada so it gets really cold here.   Are you in the UK?
    • margaret89358
      margaret89358 carol_ann35477

      Posted

      Hi Carol Ann. Yes I live in the UK your right we don’t get the cold weather like you do. Keep warm. 
  • christophe38948
    christophe38948 carol_ann35477

    Posted

    Hi,

    The shortness of breath is clearly visible when on the drug. Within a months I found that my lungs has not enough air for my breathing. I visited Pulmonologist, who after number of tests stated "no problems with lungs?!". After 100 meters walking I have to stop recover my lungs and then I walk another 100 m to the next stop. I am ending my Pred at the end of Jan'18 and until that time I will believe that the problem with lungs is the Pred related. What could be my surprise I was wrong.

    Take Care. 

    • carol_ann35477
      carol_ann35477 christophe38948

      Posted

      Hi Christopher,  certainly shortness of breath is listed as a side effect of prednisone.   However mine and some others peoples started prior to the initiation of prednisone.   Which can make sense as the symptoms say muscle weakness, which could certainly include you respiratory muscles, although SOB is not listed as a symptom of PMR in any of the websites I have read about it.

      Thanks for your reply and I hope yours resolves with the end of your prednisone use.

  • arron32528
    arron32528 carol_ann35477

    Posted

    Hi Carol, my wife just got the diognois of PMR yesterday, if fits most of her symptoms except , her shortness of breath . Her breathing has always been her most obvious symptom. I was wondering if you found out anything more about your breathing and PMR
    • EileenH
      EileenH arron32528

      Posted

      In PMR your muscles become intolerant of acute exercise - everything they do makes them work far harder and so you become out of breath, much the same as you do when you are sickening for or recovering from a heavy cold or flu (or a lot of other things).
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