COPD AT NIGHT

Chest and lungs
1

Dear All

My husband had seemed to enter a new phase in this disease. He has had no sleep and had had to either stand up or sit in an upright chair. Propping him up with pillows is no good!

His breathing, wheezing and coughing is so bad he is panicking and thus unable to breathe. The inhalers don't make any difference.

Any ideas as we have had no support from doctors.

Thanks

2

Hi he needs to go back to the doctors (see a different one) and insist on more help.   He might need different inhalers or an increase in dose or maybe even oxygen but hopefully not.   If you get no joy then demand to have a second opinion via a consultant.  This is his right.

There are also good breathing techniques for lung sufferers.  Have a loo onine and they should help a lot.  

One thing I have learnt with this awful disease is that you have to be proactive and fight for your rights.  It's not right but this is often the way it is.   Good luck with it.  x

3

Maybe change doctors then, if that's possible - that shouldn't be allowed to continue without help.  Oxygen maybe?

4

Hi ,poor you poor hubby ,,,I know how he feels ,,,the nights are long when your not feeling well ,I to have had a continuous cough last year ,it went on for weeks and weeks ,I was told to sip warm water and slow my breathing down ,and a cough medicine that's always given to me when I'm in hospital is called SIMPLE LINCTUS , I put a measured dose in a small tumbler and fill with hot water ,it does help me ,

but if your GP is not sympathetic ,ask to see the pulmary  copd nurse ,I find they are more knowledgeable than GP on copd ,and a lot more understanding ,the nurses where I live are brilliant ,,,I hope they are where you live ,best wishes ,

5

Thanks for all your comments. We have spent the morning in A and E. Nebuliser and steroids. More importantly we discussed the whole COPD thing especially the use of inhalers and getting a review. Suffice to say I think he will be OK to finish the last 35 miles of the Thames Path next month.

6

Sounds like your husband needs to be on oxygen at night,this can be obtained through your Doctor,who can arrange a simple electronic wrist attachment,borrowed from your local NHS Hospital,who will take an all night reading from this device (taken at home) to show you if you need oxygen at night or not!

Please see your Doctor ASAP!