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After I have shopped or done an activity for over an hour I get short of breath andd breathe shallow with upper back pain.

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Stendal, IN

My therapist says I am breathing wrong and should be deep breathing through my stomach. After I sit down for a while my breathing returns to normal, no upper back pain. Anyone else having these symptoms? Aggravating as I can't seem to do any activities without experiencing these breathing problems?

July 3
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Reactions
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I’ve found that using my rescue inhaler for my asthma works for me in that it also is a reminder to take a minute to stand up straight & breathe deep.

July 5
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Hi Cheryl that happens you feel you are only getting half a breath when you are trying to catch your breath don't worry that's all parkinson but tell your doctor when you go to your appointment.Does that make sense all the best
THERESE BYRNE ☘️ 🇮🇪

July 3
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Thank you.

July 5
MyParkinsonsTeam

What you're experiencing — shortness of breath and shallow breathing during activity — is something others with Parkinson's can relate to. A MyParkinsonsTeam member shared, "Shallow breathing is scary. It makes me think I'm going to suffocate, which makes me stress more." You're definitely not alone in this!

Your Show Full Answer

What you're experiencing — shortness of breath and shallow breathing during activity — is something others with Parkinson's can relate to. A MyParkinsonsTeam member shared, "Shallow breathing is scary. It makes me think I'm going to suffocate, which makes me stress more." You're definitely not alone in this!

Your therapist's advice about diaphragmatic (belly) breathing is spot on. Parkinson's can cause muscle stiffness in the chest, which limits how fully the lungs can expand, making upper-chest shallow breathing more likely during exertion. A few things worth discussing with your healthcare team:

- Posture — Hunching forward can reduce lung capacity, so working on upright posture may help
- Medication timing — Shortness of breath can worsen when Parkinson's medication starts wearing off; your doctor may adjust your dose or schedule
- Anxiety management — Anxiety (common with Parkinson's) can trigger shallow breathing, creating a frustrating cycle
- Pulmonary function testing — A doctor can measure how well your lungs are working to rule out other contributing factors

Bringing this up with your neurologist is a great next step, especially the pattern of symptoms during activity and relief when resting.

July 3

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