After seeing a doctor just after Christmas last, due to suspected chest infection and shortness of breath & a persistant cough. Asked me how long I'd had cough, told her about six weeks, she wouldn't prescribe anti biotics as she felt I didn't have an infection, but noticed crackly breathing, so prescribed a 5 day course of steroids, also suggested that i have a chest X-ray as soon as possible due to the prolonged cough. The steroids really helped, and continued to do so for a few days after I'd finished course, but then the breathlessness continued. I returned to doctor and explained my symptoms, also told her that my breathing was worse whilst lying down at night, and would wake up coughing and in the morning bring up a lot of phlegm. She suggested that I have a spirometry test as she suspected COPD.
Following week, had test done, which seemed to go fine, but was told by practise nurse, I'd have to make an appointment with G.P for results.
Managed to get appointment two weeks later, doctor seemed to be a little vague as to why I was there, explained I'd had chest X-ray but hadn't had results, also wanted to know the results of my spirometry test.. Told me chest X-ray was clear, also did well with spirometry test. So had to ask him why am I'm so breathless, did I have copd or not? He then told me early stages. Well at least I had an answer. At present I only take the blue ventolin, so doctor said I would like to prescribe you an inhaler that is long lasting called Spiriva.. You take it once a day at the same time of day. Also would like you to see the copd nurse, she holds a clinic once a month, and would be able to explain more to you.
Well ive been taking Spirva for two weeks now, although initially felt it benefited, but now still struggling to breath lying down.
I am a smoker but have cut right down, and smoke very little.
My question is, does COPD affect others sleep at night? I constantly wake up coughing, and have to use inhaler. Have added an extra pillow to prop myself up.