light head

Hi Leonard,

I sometimes have the same problem . My oxygen level is good as well as my heart. I have recently been put on one steroid tablet per day after a massive flare up when I was rushed to hospital, when I was put on a six week course of steroids. I am a late riser and I don't eat much until 6.pm and I always feel better after my meal. Which tells me I should eat more during the day but I can't face it. It will be interesting to read any responses we get.

Best wishes to you.

I get light headed when I don't eat regularly . For me an on hand supply of orange juice saves the day. A glass of orange juice and sitting quietly seems to help me. I also find that it can become easy to not keep a regular daily routine. Going to bed and staying until at least 7 hours have passed is a start. If I'm not sleepy I may listen to my radio, but I remain in bed in the dark. Reading would be the same as not resting , so I don't do it.

Additionally, maintaining good nutritional habits helps too. Fruits and vegetables are more important than many realise. I try to find ways to include eating an apple or including a green/or yellow vegetable with my evening meal helps me feel better and helps to keep me regular with my bowel movements.

My largest COPD problems center on fighting mucus buildup in my lungs and shortness of breath with even small physical exertions. As a result my physical activities are limited and fraught with periods where I must support myself and rest. My heart races fiercely as I catch my breath. I feel that oxygen would help me greatly, but each Oxygen test shows that I do not qualify under the rules set up by the government and the Insurance Companies. Their arbitrary rules mean that my quality of life is not as good as it could be.

Hi Leonard

Here's the first thing that my pulmonologist or his nurse would say: Taking deep breaths is nice, but we must work on the exhales, too. By definition, those w/COPD retain CO2. Just as with someone who hyperventilates, if we don't work on exhaling, we build up CO2 and, voila, we're lightheaded. Some breathing exercises include a 2-3 beat pause twice, once with the inhaled air as you hold it in, and secondly when your lungs are empty. This prevents the hyperventilation.

That's one possibility. My pulmo would then add that there can still be problems with the heart that can cause lightheadedness. What is your BP when you feel this way, both sitting and standing? Also, atherosclerosis can cause lightheadedness. Himself suffered increasing lightheadedness over the last 3-4 years of his life. All his doctors, none of whom we shared, just told him to turn up his oxygen. Not once ever did anyone wonder about clogged arteries-- until he died a year ago & an autopsy was done, with artherosclerosis the cause of death. I was not well pleased as I took him to all his med appointments for years and not once did either kind of heart specialist ever mention this possibility.

There are other causes of lightheadedness. My dad's was due to a congenital issue: a kinked artery in his brain. I've never heard of this anywhere else so am not suggesting that you have such a thing, simply that lungs, heart rate and oxygen sats won't always explain this issue.

Does the lightheadedness go away after eating and having a drink. If it does there is your answer, otherwise contact your doctor if these symptoms continue or get worse.

Its important to be hydrated before you go to be as I find as we age we dehydrate more quickly and blood sugars need keeping in balance at more regular intervals.

Hi Leonard Again!

When I get up I usually inhale the Fostair followed by Spiriva. I wondered if this was too much in one hit so I have now spaced these by three hours or so. I think this has helped and I am trying to eat a bit more at lunchtime including Complan. Have you found a solution yet to the light headedness? I would be interested to hear from you. By the way, I also take one steroid per day.

Best wishes