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Real members of MyParkinsonsTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has anyone had a side effect of off time,head and nose feels stuffy and shortness of breath. I have visited a ENT and cannot find a reason.

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Muskegon, MI
May 27
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Answer Summary

Members responded with strong recognition to the question about stuffy head, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath during off time with... Read more

Members responded with strong recognition to the question about stuffy head, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath during off time with Parkinson's, with many sharing that these symptoms are very real and often overlooked. Several members described experiencing runny nose, coughing, choking sensations, extreme fatigue, leg tightening, and anxiety all tied to when their medication wears off, with some keeping water or cough drops nearby and others taking an extra half pill to avoid off periods. A recurring theme was how frightening and isolating these off-time symptoms can be, along with the importance of staying hydrated and working closely with a neurologist to manage medication timing.

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Yes all that and snotty, not to be too gross, but soo snotty I've been coughing up a "chunk" several times a day!!! Always during "off-time", like we need more things falling apart and failing us then, uuuggghhh!!!

May 27
MyParkinsonsTeam

Yes, shortness of breath during "off" time is something other MyParkinsonsTeam members have experienced! One member shared, "When my medicine starts to wear off, I feel extremely fatigued with shortness of breath." So you're definitely not alone in this.

"Off" time can bring on a range of nonmotor symptoms beyond just Show Full Answer

Yes, shortness of breath during "off" time is something other MyParkinsonsTeam members have experienced! One member shared, "When my medicine starts to wear off, I feel extremely fatigued with shortness of breath." So you're definitely not alone in this.

"Off" time can bring on a range of nonmotor symptoms beyond just movement issues, including fatigue, pain, mood changes, and breathing difficulties. These can sometimes be easy to overlook as Parkinson's-related. Shortness of breath during "off" time can happen when medication starts wearing off, affecting the brain chemicals responsible for movement and other functions. Anxiety, which is common with Parkinson's, can also create a cycle where breathing feels difficult, which then increases stress and worsens the sensation.

It's really worth bringing this up specifically with your neurologist, framing it as an "off" time symptom. They may consider:

- Adjusting your medication dose
- Changing the timing or frequency of doses
- Adding a medication designed to help manage "off" time episodes

There are several FDA-approved options now available specifically to help with "off" time, so there's good reason to be hopeful that something can help.

May 27
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I've been on oxygen for a few years. Now just at night, but never associated that with Parkinson's. Nor my runny nose, coughing, and even feeling stuffed up at times. I've been feeling sick to my stomach suddenly with no reason. It goes quickly so not sure if it counts for Parkinson's.

May 30
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Shortness of breath has been common for me during off periods for the past 3 years at least, probably longer. I have a runny nose on occasion too which suddenly comes on like a tap! The latter it seems from what I have researched is quite common.

August 15 (edited)
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

"When my medicine starts to wear off, I also feel extremely fatigued with shortness of breath." And my body starts jerking, and my legs tighten so bad. All I can do is go lay down, until I get my pills to work again. Some days it takes two times of taking my pills to get them to work. Because this happens all of a sudden it makes hard to go anywhere. GailScott

May 31

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