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What Causes Difficulty Breathing With History Of Tics?
Question: My 8 year old son has a history of various tics, just over a week ago he began gasping for air lightly for short periods through out the day. His lungs are clear, not history of respiratory problems. The gasps have gradually become more frequent over the last 3 days to where they are now occuring continuously unless you mention it to him or tell him to breathe normal. It almost sounds like a hic up but with a gasp of air instead. At this time he is not doing them in his sleep. I feel pretty certain that it is just a tic. We are trying very hard to ignore them as with past episode of various tics, but they seem to be getting worse. My question is when should I consider taking him back to the doctor? He is a healthy child with an extremely high strung personality. I can tell the tic seems to be bothering him today as if it is annoying him. Any advice you could give me would be most appreciated.
Brief Answer:
Consult a psychiatrist before condition worsens
Detailed Answer:
Hello
With a past history of various tics,the present breathing pattern appears to be a kind of tic called behavioral breathlessness or breathing tic.
In this hyperventilation is common which can cause various symptoms based on the severity of condition. Initially it may be mild but as time passes severity can increase if not managed properly. In this condition there is loss of carbon dioxide(hypocarbia) ,which can cause alkalosis(decreased acidity of blood) and thus decreased calcium level in blood. The decreased calcium may present as tightening of hand/body or increased breathing difficulty.
The common precipitators of this condition are anxiety,stress or fear.
Although it is clear from history that it is a behavioral disorder other causes of breathing difficulty must be ruled out by evaluation.
The main aim of treatment is avoidens the precipitators, breathing technique instruction or some medication if needed.
I would suggest you to consult a psychiatrist at the early stage to prevent the progression of condition.
I would be glad to answer if there is any query
Regards
Consult a psychiatrist before condition worsens
Detailed Answer:
Hello
With a past history of various tics,the present breathing pattern appears to be a kind of tic called behavioral breathlessness or breathing tic.
In this hyperventilation is common which can cause various symptoms based on the severity of condition. Initially it may be mild but as time passes severity can increase if not managed properly. In this condition there is loss of carbon dioxide(hypocarbia) ,which can cause alkalosis(decreased acidity of blood) and thus decreased calcium level in blood. The decreased calcium may present as tightening of hand/body or increased breathing difficulty.
The common precipitators of this condition are anxiety,stress or fear.
Although it is clear from history that it is a behavioral disorder other causes of breathing difficulty must be ruled out by evaluation.
The main aim of treatment is avoidens the precipitators, breathing technique instruction or some medication if needed.
I would suggest you to consult a psychiatrist at the early stage to prevent the progression of condition.
I would be glad to answer if there is any query
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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