Experiencing shortness of breath practically every day after a build up of phlegm and mucus on my chest. sometimes even when there is no phlegm or mucus I still experience this problems. I have seen several doctors but none have been able to give me a proper diagnosis. To breathe normal I have to use the nabulizer with Salbutamol solution.
Need urgent advise
Have you had a spirometry test done?
Of it was infection then the sputum would be discoloured green hue. Seriously infected the a brown hue.
Regards Rib
I did the pulmonary function test instead of the spirometry test. It appeared quite normal. I have been asked to do a blood test, stool and urin test and should being seeing the doctor again shortly. Apart from the breathing difficulty I am quite normal. The breathing difficulty is sometimes accompanied by weezing brought by congestions brought on by mucus and phlegm
I did the pulmonary function test instead of the spirometry test. It appeared quite normal. I have been asked to do a blood test, stool and urin test and should being seeing the doctor again shortly. Apart from the breathing difficulty I am quite normal. The breathing difficulty is sometimes accompanied by weezing brought by congestions brought on by mucus and phlegm
Other than assistance from medication the only way to improve shortage of breath is to stop. Sit or stand. Relax the shoulders and with the hips slightly apart, take slow deep breathes. Allow your diaphragm to push down on your stomach and your belly to distend. This enables your lungs to expand to the max. Repeat 3x letting the air out slowly each time. Then again on but with the out breath huff long and slow as though trying to clean a mirror or specs.
Breathe in again 3x but on the final outlet huff with a short sharp huff as hard as poss. This regime helps you fully re oxygenate plus the huffing moves sputum up from lower lungs to the top with the long huffs and brings up the sticky gunk with the short huff.
Regards Rib
Hi, I was wondering if the only medication you have been given is the Salbutamol nebuliser....have you no steroid preventer medication as well, such as a brown inhaler.
I find that I have to balance my preventer medication with my nebuliser or the blue inhaler, or else my cough, wheeze ,tight chest and shortness of breath gets worse.
The BLF helpline is open for advice during the working week, I think there have been a few delays recently though.
Have you a gp in your practice that specialises in respiratory complaints or a nurse, have you been referred to a specialist.?
In the mean time, many people on here, including me, find pursed lip breathing helpful for short periods of time......breath gently in through the nose with a relaxed diaphragm and then gently out of the mouth with pursed lips, a bit like a soft silent whistle. You can see it on You Tube too.
Shortness of breath can be caused by many things, I hope you get help soon.
Take care.
Sorry you are having problems with diagnosis. There are many conditions that can cause breathing problems. Maybe a chest x-ray could be done. Good luck with your tests, and keep going back to your GP until you get an answer, if he cannot diagnose the problem, request to be referred to a specialist at the hospital.
Nin
Does the SOB happen in a particular place? Or a certain time. It could be an allergic reaction to something? Animals cleaning products food etc. I have a very bad SOB episodes in a store which can be bought on near the Flower display or storage door to the store? But there is not a distinctive smell to help me discover what it is?
I am surprised you have not been given a brown inhaler for morning and night? You can buy Salbutomal or its generic from the chemist without prescription now. Might help to have one in your pocket? But do not over use it.
The Huffing Technique does seem a good one for you to learn ummchealth.com/Health_Care_...
Be Well
To clear difficult mucus I use a 2.5ml saline nebule in my nebuliser. Works most times.
I use 2.5ml salbutamol which only clears it for a few hours then the problem returns
Hi, again. I would phone the helpline tomorrow for advice. I know that I could not manage my COPD and asthma on salbutamol alone.
I have found it helpful to use a 'Flutter Device' available from your GP or Amazon at £19 or there abouts. Helps move the mucus which is my major problem at the moment following a very long exacerbation. Also take a look at the 'Autogenic Drainage' breathing technique taught at some Pulmonary Rehab courses.
Best of luck.
I found your post very interesting and I am going to give vitamin A a try.x
Thank you, like your wife I have COPD and I will certainly try Vitamin A, will post results
Frothy and sticky transparent mucus
Breathing 
Unbelievable!
Breathing Problems
