[Grampa Dave]

Understanding Breathing Problems with Multiple Sclerosis A Look at the Breathing Problems That Can Occur with MS

By Julie Stachowiak, PhD Updated March 25, 2016

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are more likely to have breathing (respiratory) problems along with the well-known symptoms of tingling and numbness, fatigue, the MS hug, and the memory problems. In fact, it's estimated that about 30% of people with MS have decreased respiratory function. In one study, 32% of people with MS reported mild dyspnea(difficulty breathing or shortness of breath) during moderate physical activity.

If you have MS, chances are you score low on pulmonary function tests that assess the strength of the muscles you use to breathe.

What Do MS-Related Breathing Problems MS Feel Like?

Patients who have MS tend to have shallower and faster breathing than those who don’t. This condition is the basis for most MS-related breathing problems, which include:

Shortness of breath Difficulty breathing deeply Hiccups, Cough, Frequent sighing, Not enough air,

If you have one or more of these breathing problems because of your MS, it may make you feel anxious and as if you:

Are trying to breathe with a blanket over your head

Have a heavy weight on your chest

Are unable to take a deep breath

What Causes Breathing Problems in MS?

It used to be thought that breathing problems in MS first occurred in later stages of the disease. However, it’s now believed that the severity of breathing problems in MS is more closely related to the severity of a person's disease: That is, a person having more (and more severe) MS symptoms and related disability is likely to have more (and more severe) breathing problems.Breathing problems in MS can be caused by one or more of the following factors:

Sensory Problems. MS-related breathing problems may be the result of abnormal respiratory sensory information involving 1) respiratory pressure (abnormal pressure in the lungs), 2) airflow, and 3) motion of the lungs and chest wall.

Muscle Weakness. Many people with MS score low on measures of respiratory muscle strength, such as mouth pressure tests. Mouth pressure measures the functioning and strength of respiratory muscles by testing maximum inspiratory (breathing in) pressures and maximum expiratory (exhaling) pressures. These have been shown to be between 60% and 70% of normal even in patients with low MS-related disability.

Side-effects of Medications. Some drugs prescribed to help with MS-related pain or spasticity (muscle tightness or stiffness) can cause slower, shallower breathing. These include muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, and opioid-based pain medications.

Aspiration Pneumonia. MS-related swallowing difficulties or inability to clear mucus from the nose or throat may lead to aspiration pneumonia, which can occur when liquid, mucus, and/or food particles enter the lungs.

How Severe Can the Breathing Problems Get? It is extremely rare that MS-related breathing difficulties become life threatening or so severe that the person requires breathing assistance (breathing tubes or supplemental oxygen).

However, even fairly mild breathing problems can cause severe fatigue, further contributing to MS-related fatigue. In addition, the feeling that you can’t get enough air can lead to panic attacks and severe anxiety.

https://www.verywell.com/respiratory-problems-in-people-with-multiple-sclerosis-2440811

[SisterK]

My Mom died of complications from MS. This has looked like MS the whole time, to me. And MS does jack with your brain, especially if you are liberal or not grounded.

That said, I doubt Clinton is going to give up. Folks will be Arkancided before she gives up. Also, it has been less than four days that the press was all in the tank for her.