wife has COPD with other breathing disorders. I have arthritis and carpul tunnel in both hands. Presently live in farm area that has effect on wifes' breathing.  We do have pets which are not a problem.
216606
Well, I live in Madison, Wisconsin and we have great air.  All that Chicago wind stays well south.\nLow to no crime, one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, voted in the top ten places to raise a family (so you know it's socially clean), arts, events, resteraunts, and all the things you would expect to find in a modern midwestern town.  Population about 190,000, but very small town feel due to strict laws about urban sprawl.  Fishing too. World class fishing.
316219
It might be asthma from the mould, or your partner has it in for you, as it only happened when he moved in! eek!\nI would say you need a letter from your local Council/health enviroment to explain the extent of the mould then have the cause investagated and take it from there.
188783
I agree with the other poster that this could be anything, but based on the age and history of your wife, the likelihood is low that it's cancer.  You should relax and think positively, await the CT results and discuss them with her doctor.  Nosocomial pneumonia is common only among patients who have spent prolonged periods of time in the hospital, often debilitated, sedated or on a ventilator.  Most people with histories of "walking pneumonias" recover without any further recurrent health issues.\nSo quit worrying.
193677
Simply - our breathing is primarily triggered by high levels of Carbon Dioxide and secondarily by low levels of Oxygen. People who have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) such as Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis always have high levels of Carbon Dioxide so their primary drive mechanism may not work properly.  Those people may use their secondary drive otherwise known as Hypoxic Drive.
179759
Tell your mom you want to live with your dad, her b/f smokes, you have asthma plus you're breathing in 2nd hand smoke. She may not mind being exposed to this and putting herself at risk for lung cancer and dying from it but you care alot more about your health than that.
34810
the doctor said so. just hope your wife's RA will stop
147283
the fact that your boyfriend has chronic bronchitis, makes me wonder if he has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with possibly an aggravating asthmatic component to it. In addition, he could possibly have some degree of secondary pulmonary hypertension--not primary--because the cause would be known. IN addition to the above...The shortness of breath and  could also be caused by Congestive Heart Failure --which is caused by the COPD and the fact -- the heart works so hard to compensate for all these factors.\n\nSince he has Chronic Bronchitis, he needs to have some tests run, in particular....a pulmonary function test.\n\nAlso, he needs to quit smoking. COPD, unless it is the inherited type...is largely caused by smoking. I'm sure the cement dust doesn't help any either.\n\nAlso, when you have COPD, you are more prone to respiratory ailments and that includes pneumonia.\n\nGood Luck and God Bless
231714
My husband has had 4 bypass surgeries in the last 15 years. Over the years his heart has become weaker and unable to pump the blood efficiently. He has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure. He takes care of himself and gets plenty of exercise. Coronary artery disease is one of the causes of CHF. As time passes her heart could become weaker and she could have CHF. Only time will tell. I've just spent some time looking up information on CHF on webmd.com so that I can understand it better and be able to help my husband. I have a lot of reading to do. If you want to see what I found: http://www.webmd.com/content/article/51/40650.htm.\n\nIt would be wise for your mother-in-law to go to cardiac rehab when her doctor says she's healed from the surgery. My husband went to rehab (out-patient) after his last bypass surgery in 2003 and had a much better recovery! I pray things go well for her. God bless!
329007
It is true that cigarette smoking is the #1 cause of chronic bronchitis. Even though she doesn't smoke now, did she used to? If not, then the next most common causes are repeated repiratory infections as a child and atmospheric pollutants(such as sulfur and nitrogen). It is characterized by excessive mucus production,chronic inflammation and swelling of the small airways, and bronchospasm(to name a few).There is no cure, but there are maintenance drugs and therapies, as well as lifestyle changes to help alleviate some of the symptoms. It is best for her to stay away from cigarette smoke and other inhaled irritants. She should also avoid contact with people who have an existing respiratory infection(especially influenza). Yearly influenza immunizations are strongly recommended, as well as a pneumococcal vaccine every five years. Her doctor may put her on a bronchodilator(such as albuterol, or ipratropium bromide)to induce bronchial smooth muscle relaxation, and/or a mucolytic(acetylcysteine)to enhance mobilization of secretions(mucus). If the mucus accumulation is bothersome or she is unable to produce an effective cough, bronchial hygiene would be helpful. Something easily done at home is chest percussion. Have her lay on her back, and with a cupped hand, pound(carefully but forcefully)all areas of her back. Then have her roll onto each side, raising her arm above her head and do the same thing. This will help loosen the mucus that is impacted in her airways so she can cough it up and will also help her breathe better. If she is not already she may need to be on oxygen, even at home. If you want to do something for her, help her get educated on the disease she has, it's process, and things she can do to manage it. Also make sure that she is following her doctor's orders! Hope this helps! Good luck and I wish her well!
637068
Check with his Dr  before using the answers for medical advice.  Nobody here really knows your husbands condition
455819
my aunt had it done 10 years ago.  unfortunately she relies on an oxygen tank and can barely walk up stairs.  She is 60.  Sad, but she has emphysema.. diagnosed at 40.
132143
Boy this one is right up my alley! LOL...I am a 44 yr old female and was diagnosed with junvenile arthritis,now I have osteoarthritis and its very painful. There is no cure for arthritis but if you can take them anti-inflammatories help alot of people. I have ulcers therefore I cant take them,if you have any kind of stomach problems like ulcers,GERD's,or nervous stomach they usually will make you very sick,check with your doctor.There are a few things that work with arthur as I lovingly (NOT) call it,it depends on how severely you have it. If you are in the first stages and dont have too serious of pain you can try massage,physical therapy,whirlpools and hot tubs,Water aerobics,there's alot you can try but like I said it depends on how far along and how much pain.I have to take pain meds for mine because Ive tried everything else and nothing works anymore when youve had it almost 30 years.Good luck to you and God bless.
142565
As someone who has had JRA since age 14, and OA since 35, my best advice is exercise and rest.  There is no cure for RA, and it is a mysterious disease, even to doctors.  It is known as an autoimmune disorder, where the body attacks itself, thinking there is an infection, when there is none.  \n\nI truly believe there is a VERY strong correlation between physical, and mental stress, and RA symptoms.  I have had different blood test results at different times, and it didn't always agree with my symptoms.  \n\nTry hot and cold packs for relief without side effects.  Heat draws blood to the joint, and is good for stiffness.  20 minutes maximum, min 10 minutes or until relief is felt.  Ice draws blood away from the joint and is good for when the joints are inflammed, meaning literally hot to the touch.  Ice can provide great relief where prescription medicines fail.  \n\nHave her read a book called the Mind Body Connection, by John Sarno.  There is a great deal of medical evidence that symptoms of asthma and arthritis are directly related to stress and how the body reacts to stress.  \n\nBelieve me, I'm not saying it's in your mind.  These are very real symptoms.  I have spent months on crutches due to its debilitating power.  But I have NOT received any significant or long-term relief from any pill.  Find the root of the cause, and why.  Deal with how you react to stress, and change it.\n\nAgain, as a sufferer of arthritis and asthma for most of my life, I know that doctors will profit from your suffering, but have little to offer in relief.  She needs to think of why this would happen now.  I'm sure the baby has a lot to do with it.  Obviously, or it would never have cropped up.\n\nDo NOT take her to a chiropractor, unless you want to be at their mercy for life.  Good luck and don't forget to breathe!  Breathing delivers oxygen to the tissues and joints, and lack thereof creates pain and injury.
332947
COPD is generally one of two related conditions, either chronic bronchitis or emphysema, although in some cases asthma can become a form of COPD if there is permanent damage to the airways from chronic inflammation. And sometimes there can be overlap - patients with chronic bronchitis may also have symptoms of emphysema, for example.\n\nYes, in rare cases (less than 1%) COPD can be hereditary. If it is due to asthma, then again it can be hereditary, since asthma does tend to run in families.\n\nAs you probably already know, smoking accounts for the majority of COPD (like 90%). \n\n"Another well-established cause of COPD is a deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT). AAT deficiency is a rare genetic (inherited) disorder that accounts for less than 1% of the COPD in the United States.\n\nAs discussed previously, normal function of the lung is dependent on elastic fibers surrounding the airways and in the alveolar walls. Elastic fibers are composed of a protein called elastin. An enzyme called elastase that is found even in normal lungs (and is increased in cigarette smokers) can break down the elastin and damage the airways and alveoli. Another protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) (produced by the liver and released into the blood) is present in normal lungs and can block the damaging effects of elastase on elastin.\n\nThe manufacture of AAT by the liver is controlled by genes which are contained in DNA-containing chromosomes that are inherited. Each person has two AAT genes, one inherited from each parent. Individuals who inherit two defective AAT genes (one from each parent) have either low amounts of AAT in the blood or AAT that does not function properly. The reduced action of AAT in these individuals allows the destruction of tissue in the lungs by elastase to continue unopposed. This causes emphysema by age 30 or 40. Cigarette smoking accelerates the destruction and results in an even earlier onset of COPD.\n\nIndividuals with one normal and one defective AAT gene have AAT levels that are lower than normal but higher than individuals with two defective genes. These individuals are not believed to have an increased risk of developing COPD if they do not smoke cigarettes; however, their risk of COPD probably is higher than normal if they smoke." from \nhttp://www.medicinenet.com/chronic_obstructive_pulmonary_disease_copd/page4.htm
118554
I agree with most of the posts, it sould also be SLEEP APNEA which is a potentially  dangerous condition, but there is treatment, get it checked out if the other suggestions don't work! http://www.sleepapnea.org/
599977
WOW  My Friend you said it.I'm a heavy smoker.I started at 13,I'm now 68.I ant to quit because I have had 2 hart attacks and a stroke. that is the only reason.I couldn't care less about the non-smokers.If they don't like it just don't breath while I'm smoking. nice to hear someone s on my side in this issue
280881
It could be several things including asthma.\nGo to your local ER for an evaluation.\nWhen you register the registrar will ask if you have insurance and should give you a packet to apply for reduced fee or they will apply to your state to pay the bill for you.\nI am sorry to say you may not get a definitive answer there either as they will not do alot of testing unless you present saying and have symptoms that you are short of breath.\n\nPlease go and get evaluated especially since your husband says you make noises at night when you sleep.