Voice Changes, Shortness in breath

[missmineau]

Im a little rattled by everything that has been happening with my mom, it seems to have snowballed fast. She ended up with bronchitis (spelling?) and has seem to have a rough go of it since. Her voice has become quite nasal (moreso when tired) and I have noticed that her breath seem to come in short spurts while she is talking. She is coughing still quite a bit and says she has no trouble bringing plegm up, should we be asking for a breathing test? Is this the start of respitory problems? So far her chewing and swallowing are fine. Is it the bronchitis that has kicked her in the butt? Sorry if I seem to be rambling and not making any sense its just seems to be one thing after another since diagnosis (Limb onset Oct 10) Are muscles that much weaker when one is tired? Are there so called better days than others? Sorry for all the questions, and I know there may be no specific answers, guidance maybe would be a better choice of words of what I am looking for.

 

[abbas child]

I'm so sorry your mother has had bronchitis. The fast answer is that yes, she ought to have a visit with the Pulmonary doctor, which in my own case began with testing (chest x-ray, then puffing tests to see how well I could do things like force air out), then with results I would go straight to the Pulmonary Doc. Now I go to an ALS Clinic, where things are slightly different, but it's the same order; tests, followed by the doctor.

Muscles can be incredibly weaker when we're tired, and overusing one set can cause all over fatigue with new areas causing trouble, which thankfully do go back to normal when well rested. Having to take breaths when speaking does sound like progression. The bottom line is that the problems which appear with our fatigue or stress are the front edge of those problems, and they begin to return more easily until they are the new "normal".

The coughing may simply be from bronchitis, and the coughing does tire one out quite a bit. Hopefully your mother will improve when the coughing ends.

 

[Bad Balance]

I have had bronchitis for about 2 weeks now that I have not been able to shake even after a round of antibiotics. It is wearing and does make me feel weak and sleepy.

I agree with Ann...try to get this cleared up with your GP and possibly a specialist referral. Anything that adds more stress just adds to the mix that will tire your Pals out.