Expert: Michalene Peticca - 1/17/2010

Question
while in the hospital my mom had a breathing episode that lasted 5-7minutes. she was blowing air out of her mouth and sounded like a horse. the nurses said it was nuerological. so much happened afterwards i forgot to ask doctor what caused her to breath that way. her heart rate increased was rushed to another ward then rushed to icu with fever then diagnosed with pnuemonia and colon infection. out of icu everything clearing up now hope you can answer before i see dr again to enquire with him. thanks

Answer
Hi Betty,

Thank you for writing.  This is an interesting question; however, i am stumped on this one.  

Most individuals, whether or not they have Alzheimer's disease, may have periods of "Apnea" caused by any number of reasons:  sinus trouble, anethesia side effects, etc.

ICU would be a consistant course of action due to her increased heart rate and her infections, not because of her "breathing episode" alone.  Her "breathing episode" may have been due to her pneumonia.

I would suggest following up with the Doctor and gaining his perspective.

Best Regards,
Michalene Peticca, MA