Copd

[Smith2026]

I have a dumb question, and I really don't even know how to address it. Does COPD make ALS progress faster and does it make their breathing harder? My dad is borderline COPD, when he exerts himself, as in walking with his walker, he is really breathing heavily.

 

[KarenNWendyn]

I can't think of how COPD (chronic obstructive lung disease, generally from smoking) would accelerate motor neuron destruction. However, nobody really fully understands all the triggers of ALS and things that exacerbate it, so I suppose it's possible. We do know that cigarette smoking increases oxidative stress as well as cerebrovascular disease, so active smoking or former heavy smoking logically could be a risk.

In terms of heavy breathing, yes, anything that impairs lung function will contribute in an additive fashion. Some people with COPD tend to retain CO2, so this would be a double whammy with ALS, which can also cause CO2 retention.

Definitely not a stupid question.

 

[lgelb]

Since COPD is obstructive lung disease, and the inability to fully inhale/exhale in ALS is partially obstructive often esp. in early-mid disease, COPD could accelerate the beginning of breathing problems or make them more troublesome. And overall ALS restricts breathing, so it's harder when the airway is basically both kind of collapsed (not letting enough air pass) and restrictive (not able to move it due to weakness and/or spasms).

Has your dad been evaluated for BiPAP? That would be a good idea.

Best,
Laurie

 

[Smith2026]

He had a breathing test done the beginning of September, that's is when the specialist said that he is borderline COPD. The specialist told us about the BIpap and the trach, and what was going to likely happen in the future. (really good specialist as he was the first one to verbally tell my dad. not that the other specialist we have seen aren't good because I have been impressed with them, but they have only asked the question, "do you know what will happen?" of course my dad just nods, yes)

So far my dad is ok, but will be having the testing repeated in January. I just have to stay ahead of the "game" as I will call it because my dad is the type that tells me things/symptoms/problems when "its always a full blown problem". Hope that makes sense.

 

[KimT]

So did the specialist prescribe BIPAP? It takes some time getting used to it so early is better.

 

[Smith2026]

No the specialist didn't...but we go again in January

 

[lgelb]

If he is breathing heavily using a walker, I'm not sure why he should wait till January for respiratory support. I'd call the pulmo and ask that question. If he doesn't want to play, a neuro or primary care doc can also write for BiPAP.

 

[KimT]

My local neuro prescribed the Trilogy. He really didn't understand it but he wanted me to get things early rather than later. He also prescribed the wheelchair.