Respiration Ventilation - Shortness of breathe

Breathing, Lung function, Oxygen, carbon dioxide all things I just take for granted. My dad doesn't take it for granted anymore. Early last year he started to experience severe shortness of breath. he thought maybe it was his heart. After several test and several months it turns out it wasn't.

Well, at least that was ruled out but it still wasn't clear what it was. Everyday he seemed weaker and weaker. The doctor prescribed oxygen but it really didn't change the amount of energy he has or stop the shortness of breath. Over the year he has kind of learned to live with it. He carts the oxygen tank around, either with the shoulder strap or with cart that can be dragged. But he still experiences the shortness of breath.

He can now measure his oxygen thanks to the digital finger pulse oximeter we bought him at Christmas. That has been a lifesaver. 

He went to classes for a while. I think he was diagnosed with COPD. The doctor said there is nothing he can do about it-just live with it. He also has a bit of emphysema. This is not to mention the diabetes and heart disease he's already had for years.  

Wow, I don't know how he does it. He has raised 5 kids and put them all through college. Been faitfully married for 45 years, completed two careers, built a house and gardens every year. Honest and a great human being. I am fortunate to have two faithful parents --my mom just keeps on trucking as well. 

Anyone know any help to increase respiration ventilation?

Despite the doctors diagnosis I would like to find a remedy to help them both live longer and productive lives. My bend is on the Naturopathic side. I've been on medical visits and our medical system in my opinion is shot. It's impersonal and the doctor only has 5 minutes with you and barely looks you in the eye let alone touch you. Oh well thats another rant.

So pulmonary disease, lung function is what I am trying to find out about and especially any natural means to improve lung function.

My dad said the doc thinks that it's not that he is not getting enough oxygen --its that he isn't getting rid of the carbon dioxide and it's building up causing toxicity and the oxygen then to go down. So I looked up what that is called and it is called respiration ventilation.

Something people with no lung disease or copd just take for granted as our God given right.

Some of the causes:

• Hypoventilation
  
• Breathing to shallow
  
• Apnea
  

Large belly pressing against the lungs. . that is where a reduced amount of air enters the alveoli in the lungs, resulting in decreased levels of oxygen and increased levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. Hypoventilation can be due to breathing that is too shallow (hypopnea) or too slow (bradypnea) and diminishes lung function.

My dad's body is not dealing well with the Carbon Dioxide.

Now I need to find an less expensive oximeter type of machine that will measure the amount of Carbon Dioxide in his blood. This will help monitor better I suppose once we find out what is causing the body not to get rid of the carbon dioxide efficiently.