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My wife of 71 has had PD for the past 8 years. Her anxiety creates shortness of breath and she feels as if she is suffocating. I feel lost as I do not know what to do. Is there anything that she can take (as in prescribed medicine, and or natural remedies)? I am new to this form and shall appreciate guidance and advice. Thank you. Kobus, Cape Town, South Africa.

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One thing a doctor suggested when my dad had occasional bouts of breathlessness was to aim a small fan towards him to increase airflow. But I see the Parkinson's Foundation recommends things like
~ exercise to increase oxygen (I would think it would also increase serotonin, the 'feel good' neurochemical which should reduce the anxiety)
~ relaxation techniques
~ therapy (music, cognitive behavioral)

And I see that they say PD affects the same parts of the brain that drive anxiety and depression; there are of course many medications for both conditions. But some also find relief from natural things like increasing B vitamins, using lavender (tea, pillow sachet, diffuser), and homeopathic remedies.

I'm biased towards the holistic approach, so I'd suggest finding a reputable integrative or holistic practitioner to help you and your wife breathe easier. Perhaps try the South African Congress for Integrative Medicine; their website has a directory of practitioners.

Best wishes to you both.
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Absolutely. There are many medications that can help with the anxiety that your wife is feeling. PD is a nasty disease--my dad had it and he went from being a completely competent, healthy man to an anxious child during the course of it.

We gave him Valium as needed, and at the end, he needed it all day long.

Talk to your wife's doc. If they will not acknowledge this is a true 'thing', then find a doc who will help your poor wife.

As a chronic anxiety sufferer, I can tell you that constant panic attacks are THE WORST. When I am caught in an anxiety spiral, I am completely useless to anyone for any purpose. Please call your wife's doc and be her advocate in this.

Good Luck!!
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kobusvisser Dec 2021
Thank you for your kind and good suggestions - I shall follow-up with our General Practitioner (GP).
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