Can anyone one help me find information on MS and how it effects your lungs and breathing?

Hi Theresa,

Sorry to hear that you've been having persistent symptoms.  In looking for answers to give you, I found some good information at the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre website.

The description of a tight chest, being short of breath, and feeling asthmatic sounds like the MS Hug or MS Girdle.  What can happen is that the tiny muscles which hold the ribs together go into spasm and/or get really tight and breathing becomes much more difficult. Here is how one person described it -

"I find myself holding my arm folded across my abdomen in order to ease the discomfort and find I can't breathe deeply enough to get my breath. I tried taking my asthma inhalers thinking these would help but because it's a skeleto-muscular thing, they gave no relief."

In addition, a description of possible breathing difficulties in people with MS can be found here.  In addition to potential damage to the autonomic nervous system (which controls vital bodily functions such as breathing), there may be other causes of difficulties.

I hope that this helps in your search for possible answers.  Although you do not have insurance coverage right now, it really would be a good idea to be seen by a medical professional.

Thank you for your question,

Lisa

I have to agree with the post above mine.  I have similar symptoms that can last for just minutes or for weeks at a time (just like my other symptoms).  I went to the doctor and did my own research and the MS Hug or MS Girdle is the only thing I could find that would explain the symptoms.  If you type in "MS Girdle" into Google you'll get various kinds of information on it as well as tips on how to manage it.

Hang in there!

Merry Christmas.

There are a number of factors that can lead to the shortness of breath. Allergies, asthma, the MS not allowing you to have a proper workout (physically) fitique, CHF. When you breath you are using musles to bring in the air to your system and garvity causes you to exhale. If you have inflammation a broncodialator might help of the alvoli are not working up to speed. However only a good work-up will indicate your level of lung function or lack of it. A body box plesthysmograph (PFT) is used to measure changes in volume to a organ or whole body. Mst of the time they will give you the test and then retest you after you have had a broncodialaror administratored to you and see if their is a difference. However only your doctors can decide what is best for you and your condition.