Respiratory function in Parkinson's disease

Clin Neurosci. 1998;5(2):131-5.

Abstract

This article reviews the spectrum of respiratory dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD). It includes the primary effects of PD on the ventilation, response to medications, and pulmonary complications of antiparkinson therapy. Primary pulmonary abnormalities include a restrictive change mainly secondary to chest wall rigidity and upper airway obstruction; both are responsive to dopaminergic modulation. Respiratory dyskinesia, a side effect of levodopa therapy, may produce both restrictive and dyskinetic ventilation. Therapy with ergot derivatives may result in pleuropulmonary fibrosis. Lastly, pulmonary infection as a consequence of disordered respiratory mechanics continues to contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality in PD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiparkinson Agents / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Levodopa / adverse effects
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy
  • Parkinson Disease / physiopathology*
  • Respiration Disorders / chemically induced
  • Respiration*
  • Respiratory Mechanics

Substances

  • Antiparkinson Agents
  • Levodopa