Do the beta blocker propranolol effect breathing

Question

i have taken propranolol for some time now and read that these tablets can cause constriction of air tubes and aggrivate asthma,what about non asthmatics as myself?,i suffer palpitations as i have thyroid disorder and sometimes my palpitations make me feel like i am very slightly breathless not puffing and panting just a little breathy,and i am wondering if the beta blockers are causing this ,is anyone on beta blockers having the same?

Answer 1

Propranolol a Beta Blocker, is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries.  This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks.

This medicine may also be used to treat irregular heartbeats, tremors,(Palpitation) or pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor). It may also be used to reduce the risk of death in patients who have heart attacks .

This medicine is a beta-blocker. It works by affecting the response to nerve impulses in certain parts of the body, like the heart. As a result, the heart beats slower and decreases the blood pressure. When the blood pressure is lowered, the amount of blood and oxygen is increased to the heart .

Medical Problems or side effects which may be there.-

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

-Asthma or

-Bradycardia (slow heartbeat) or

-Heart block or

-Heart failure or

-Tremors due to Parkinson's disease—Should not use in patients with these conditions .

-Diabetes or

-Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or

-Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)—May cover up some of the signs and symptoms of these diseases, such as a fast heartbeat .

-Kidney disease or

-Liver disease—Use with caution. The effects may be increased because of slower removal from the body .

-Lung disease (e.g., bronchitis, emphysema)—May cause difficulty with breathing in patients with this condition .

-Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (rare heart condition)—May cause very slow heartbeat in patients with this condition .

So the problems mentioned by you are quite possible and you have to report this to your doctor and have some other medication or some other beta blocker like "Atenolal" which does not have such side effects. Anyway the physician treating you is he best judge to decide in the matter -  

Answer 2

If you don't have underlying contraindications like asthma or COPD, then then you really shouldn't concern yourself with any effects of non-selective beta-blockade on the respiratory system.  It's primarily for fear of inducing bronchospasm that propranolol isn't prescribed for patients with the above conditions.