sore and inflamed throat

Dear waterman

Re your sore inflamed throat - I would check back with your doc asap as this could be a result of any of the medicines you are currently taking and you really don't want to let this go unchecked if this is the case.

Some of the inhaled medicines can cause thrush in the mouth but then so can anti-biotics so to be safe the doc needs to check things out.

If it is the inhaled steroids - what I always do is gargle rinse, spit out. After spiriva I brush teeth and rinse again. Also, I usually have something to eat and drink after taking meds.

It is very difficult to adjust in the early days of diagnosis, the pulmonary rehabilitation course will be a good thing for you to attend as this will give you more understanding, and ways you can help yourself.

I'm glad you are getting your heart checked out, this along with cancer checks seems to be a routine procedure when diagnosed with COPD as simptoms can be very similar.

Breathlessness / breathing difficulty and chest pains we can experience which may relate to over-exertion or brought on by weather conditions or air pollutions (rain, cold, damp, hot, humid, dusty, smokey etc) may be lungs or heart. This is why both need checking out, also one can have an affect on the other.

Have to admit that I cannot lie flat any more myself. I use a bed wedge I feel this helps me. Re sleep/relaxing - you refer to your oxygen levels falling - have you already had this checked? If not do communicate these symptoms to the doc / consultantant - there is a 24 hour test that can be done that measures the blood oxygen levels throughout a 24 hours period including that when you are sleeping and relaxing. It also monitors your heart.

With sleep apnea / apnoea when relaxed or sleeping the back of the throat can collapse which in turn can give the gasping for air experience. The 24 hour test can also indicate this. It usually goes with other symptoms which you doc will ask you about.

I'm hoping when you come back to read this you will be feeling a little better and not worse. But if your throat is still sore do go back to doc soon as. Also mention your feelings about suffocating and gasping for air along with posture for sleep.

Good wishes for your cardiac checks / results.

Although I read the enclosed instruction leaflet when I started on the medication, I hadn't realised how important it was - so thank you for that information about the importance of mouth hygiene after taking the meds. I shallensure that I take that advice in future.

It seems so unfair Waterman, that you have developed COPD despite having given up smoking all those years ago. This is what I mean about my feeling guilty at the diagnosis when I have smoked heavily for the past 50 years. Just desserts for me, but a real kick in the teeth for you. Good luck on your future path.

Thanks for all the advise and support. Will try to persevere with the medications and gargling and see how I get on. I do have an infection at the minute which is not helping. Regards to all, Robert.