Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neuromuscular disease characterized by three main symptoms: Tremor, Bradykinesias and Rigidity. These symptoms obviously affect a patient's ability to walk and use their muscles as normal people do. The diagnosis is not always easy to make and tremor, which is the most common initial symptom, can occur in other conditions. The tremor associated with Parkinson's Disease is a so-called resting tremor. Sitting quietly with
the hands in the lap a patient will notice the tremor. Bradykineias is the term for the slow movements, suchas when walking, that is seen in PD patients. Muscle rigidity can be severe and make it difficult for the patient to move his limbs.
How do these 3 main symptoms of PD affect the lungs? Actually, the lungs are affected secondarily. The tremor and rigidity affects the chest wall muscles and make it hard for the patient to breathe in the normal rhythmic pattern they otherwise would have. Problems with tremor and coordination also affects the muscles at the back of the throat which can allow the patient to aspirate food and liquids. Moreover, it may be hard for the patient to cough effectively when chest infections arise.
Many times, I have seen PD patients complaining about shortness of breath. Getting them to understand the mechanism of their breathing and how it is affected by their PD is important. Following a PD patient's lung function and oxygen level can help prevent more complications.
