Advice on end stage COPD symptoms please.......

[Ben88t]

Hi I was wondering if you could please help, my dad is now end stage COPD and suffers from severe coughing fits. This I know is not uncommon but some of these coughing fits result in him becoming severely disorientated, physically shaking and in some cases he has even passed out. He also describes a feeling of pins and needles all over his body. I was wondering if anybody has experienced the same thing? And if so would you be able to explain it to me and is there any way of stopping it or at least reducing the severity of them? Any help would be greatly appreciated

[jabber]

I'm sorry to hear of your dad's problems, which sound very distressing and uncomfortable for him. I don't know enough about it to offer anything but moral support, but someone with more knowledge will probably be along soon.

For expert advice you could phone the BLF helpline in the morning - click on the red balloon at the top for the phone number, it's only the cost of a local call. The nurses will have all the expertise you need to advise you of the best way of dealing with your dad's problems. With all good wishes, Jan

[teaky-19]

if your dad is not on oramorph ask your doctor for it as this can help suppress the cough

[morrid in reply to teaky-19]

I had problems similar to your dad and oramorph did wonders for me.

[Hidden]

Hi Ben, That sounds really scary for him and the family. Please ring the helpline as jabber suggests they should be able to give you practical and moral support. Good luck TAD xx

[Toci]

"Huffing" up the gunk can also relieve coughing for a while.

"Huff Coughing: Huff coughing or huffing is an alternative to deep coughing if you have trouble clearing your mucus. Take a breath that is slightly deeper than normal. Use your stomach muscles to make a series of 3 rapid exhalations with the airway open, making a "ha, ha, ha" sound. Follow this by controlled diaphragmatic breathing and a deep cough if you feel mucus moving."

[Puffthemagicdragon]

I am Stage 4 but only have emphysema and not bronchitis. I do get some mucus and cough now and again but it is what I call " normal ". If the bronchitis could be sorted for your dad it would improve things no end.

[Puffthemagicdragon]

I am Stage 4 but only have emphysema and not bronchitis. I do get some mucus and cough now and again but it is what I call " normal ". If the bronchitis could be sorted for your dad it would improve things no end.

[Lurcherman]

Only moral support here as well I'm afraid, BLF Helpline is always good!

Have you noticed anything that triggers his coughing fits?

Cold air triggers me off so maybe he's in a draught or something, best wishes x

[Ben88t]

Thank you all for the reply's. In answer to some of you're questions, he is already being prescribed oramorph and I don't think there is any scope for an increase at the minute. I have noticed that laughing does set off coughing fits. He also experiences severe cramp in his hands. I will definitely ring the BLF helpline. Thank you for all your reply as and best wishes

[peege in reply to Ben88t]

03000 030 555, it shoild cost the same as a local call from a land line, office hours. All the best for you dad xx