Posted , 7 users are following.
my husband has chronic copd. we have noticed over the last few weeks that he cannot walk 10 yards without severe shortness of breath. he has a bipap niv machine and he is using this more and more during the day. does anyone have any thoughts as to whether (as i suspect) his condition is just worse?
0 likes, 13 replies
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barrie84494 Nanny10
Posted
hi the weather can make it along with the polen much harder to breath.
larry49033 Nanny10
Posted
Hello,
Only a medical professional can answer your question? He should, as I try to do, walk and move about as much as possible. While it is more comfortable to sit and breath as comfortable as you can, your muscles are not getting the activity to stay healthy. So I say, get a walker or set of crutches to enable greater movement. Eat a nutritious balanced diet. Also, maintain a clean body and wash your hands (with soap) following every lavatory visit. In addition, be sure to get a flu shot every season. I get my flu shot without fail every August at my local pharmacy.
Most important of all, see your Dr and get checked out. He may need a pocket sized rescue inhaler or a nebulizer may be of great help. My COPD produces too much mucus that builds up in my lungs, I found a generic form of the over the counter med. Mucinex and comes in a pill that must be taken every 4 hours as needed. Discuss these with your medical professional and also weather Oxygen Therapy would apply in your case.
The answer to your inquiry lies with you (him) and your Dr,
All the Best and keep your chins up.
Reglois larry49033
Posted
Flu shot PLUS anti pneumonia shot is recommended for those with serious lung conditions. I agree with Larry, no matter how uncomfortable and panicky, exercise is very important, I am on 18 hours of oxygen per 24 but I walk where I can, on the flat, slightest gradient is now impossible. I have a static O2 machine, am attached to a nose hose, plus a portable O2 concentrator. I have about 1/3 of my lung function left. I hate taking medication and have an exercise machine and accidently found a position that will loosen the phlegm, among my conditions I have bronchiectasis.
larry49033 Reglois
Posted
Please, would you share the position that you found that will loosen phlegm?
Thank you.
Reglois larry49033
Posted
Oh Larry, I wish I could share, it is one of those sort of shaking/wobble machines and I struggle to find the position each time for myself as it is not one of the recommended positions, I accidently found it when trying to get my stiff back into one of their positions, even when I find it not sure I could describe it as it is VERY precise, sorry
aitarg35939 larry49033
Posted
Larry,
google "postural drainage for airway clearance" and some videos will come up. Many people use these successfully. my mucus is too thick for that alone, so per my pulmonologist i use 1200mg guafenisen twice daily, do my nebs, then put on my SmartVest which he RXed, and lie face down during treatment. He would like me to hang my head over the side of the bed while doing machine prone, but my shoulder disagrees.
If you have someone who can pound your back properly, same effect.
Reglois Nanny10
Posted
I am struggling due to hot weather and high pollen count + haymaking in the area close to me, I have taken to going away in my car when I see the tractors arriving.
larry49033 Reglois
Posted
My sympathies on your situation.
Do you not have air conditioning where you are? My inside climate control protects me from heat and pollen. Where do you live and where do you go in your car to escape the heat/pollen?
Reglois larry49033
Posted
Hi Larry
No air conditioning here, nor do I know any one with it, backwards here lol. My house is well insulated so not too bad with the doors and windows shut. I live in a tiny hamlet, 10 houses, right out in the country in the mountains of central France. I drive to the nearest large supermarket and spend a couple of house window shopping until I think the hay making has stopped for the day. I do have an air purifier that traps pollen and I put that on if I have the door open for the dogs.
aitarg35939 Reglois
Posted
So beautiful, Reglois. I can't imagine having air conditioning in that setting. The fresh air must be fabulous most of the year when they're not cutting hay. Color me pea green with envy.
aitarg35939 Nanny10
Posted
It's possible that this is just seasonal affect. When it's 105-112°F, i have more trouble and the least incline is a problem. i purposely live in town rather than where i prefer out in the countryside because all the chems applied on 90% of American farmland would kill me (i also have bronchiectasis).
Still, given that he's using a machine more than per the original plan, i would contact my pulmonologist.
Nanny10
Posted
thank you for all of your messages . I have taken on board all of your thoughts and am hopeful that the very high pollen at the moment together with humid weather are making things worse.
larry49033 Nanny10
Posted
As an aid to your problem, have you ever tried wearing a surgical mask or such as needed.
Does rain help? Pray for rain. LOL
All the best.