Breathlesness

[jasmin26]

Hi my 80 year old Mother told me yesterday that she has started to become really breathless when she is walking and has to keep stopping to catch her breath again. I have said I will get her a doctors appointment on Monday but she is having none of it and says I fuss too much ! Any ideas what could cause it ? TIA

[Sqad]

Aged 80 years...could be anything.
Only a consultation with her GP and physical evaluation will bring a meaningful answer to your question.

[jasmin26]

Thanks Sqad I will try to persuade her today , She always says she doesn't want to bother her GP so this may take some doing !

[Sqad]

jasmin...;-)

[jd_1984]

Your mothers generation rarely do (want to impose on a doctor) be as forceful as you can without causing extra stress. Important to rule out the more serious possibilities for everyones peace of mind.

[jasmin26]

Hi jd she is so stubborn when it comes to things like this . I will be as gentle as I can be as I really think she should go .

[pixie373]

The GP is the best bet, if you can persuade her. Does she have any existing diagnosed conditions?

[anneasquith]

tell her ( gently ) if she does not go to see gp. you will request a house call. good luck,

[jasmin26]

she doesn't have any existing conditions that I am aware of. I will try emotional blackmail if I have too, it usually works , but I go down the home visit route first.

[tamborine]

Short term relief - if she places her hands on head she can breathe deeper, as this action spreads the rib cage allowing lungs to expand.

[jasmin26]

Got appt yesterday afternoon . Mam has been referred to hospital for an xray next Monday.

[jd_1984]

Let us know how it goes.

[jasmin26]

Mam had an xray and was told that at some point she had had a mild heart attack. She has been referred to the Freeman hospital in Newcastle to see a specialist.