Uncomfortable chest.

I had an exacerbation over 3 weeks ago( i have copd ), but after 2 short courses of prednisolone and lots of benylin i am no better. I dont feel ill and no temperature, just cant get enough air in or out to feel comfortable. I’ve not had it last this ling since being told i have copd in 2007. Has anyone any advice. People who dont have this problem just dont understand do they.

[bandit2]

I find if my chest is tight I use my steamer (hot air) and Eucalyptus oil to breathe in, when in your situation I use my cool air diffuser but still with Eucalyptus oil, it enables me to breathe easier. Plus be sure to do your exercises (breathing) I know it sucks but in the long run it will help. You are right people who don't have lung issues have no idea how it feels, how I long for full serve gas stations since getting sick the odor from gasoline goes right to my throat and chokes me, as does bleach which surprises me that they still use it in hospitals. If all else fails see your doctor and perhaps get a new or different inhaler. Good luck

[Hidden in reply to bandit2]

Thank you for your reassuring reply. I will try the eucalyptus oil. I agree, car fuel makes me feel ill and all household cleaners, i try to avoid. Ive just been to doctors and got more prednisolone, and am going to be given a new daily inhaler.

[O2Trees]

You don't mention antibiotics sheepdog, only prednisolone and you don't say if you have mucus in your lungs. If you have had a bacterial infection then it may not have gone and you might need more. But then reading above you have just been back to your GP, who presumably listened to your chest? Also Im not sure about this, maybe others will know, but does Benylin suppress coughs? If so and you have mucus on your lungs, then you need to cough it up.

I just googled and there are different kinds of Benylin, some suppressing and some not. I hope you get to the bottom of this, in the meantime Bandit's suggestions are useful - I find eucalyptus helpful myself.

[Hidden in reply to O2Trees]

Hi, yes, my doctor listened to chest, said theres no infection so dont need antibiotics at the mo. Just got a 5 day course of prednisolone to take, then theyre going to give me an inhaler to take every day as well as the ventolin i use when i need to. Nice to keep in touch with people who understand how we feel, thank you.

[Hidden in reply to O2Trees]

Doc also said benylin wont help. So i’m just going to use steam inhalations i think, but i dont think i have too much mucus in chest at mo. It’s the airways that arent opening and closing properly. Weather doesnt help.!

[O2Trees in reply to Hidden]

Do hope this resolves asap sheepdog

[Hidden in reply to O2Trees]

Thank you.

[Hidden]

Hi I have a salt lamp which I use eucalyptus oil in it helps me breath so much better, also steam is good too, or maybe you may need a course of antibiotics in case there is any bugs lingering

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi, yes i have heard about salt lamps. ( are they safe with high blood pressure though?). My doctor said i didnt need antibiotics at mo, just a 5 day course of prednisolone, and to use my inhaler when needed. It’s worse in the night like everything is! I cant wait for the better weather to come, the winter is not pleasant when you have something like this.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Yes the salt lamps are very safe, my chest is better in warmer weather aswell, I had a single lung transplant last November due to IPF. I'm only 32. I hope you find something that eases your symptoms, have you got a nebuliser?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I havent got a nebuliser at home no. Obviously have used in the hospital when ive been quite bad. What a relief! I am going to ask my doctor if its worth getting for home, i think i would feel more reassured if i needed to use it at home. Its quite stressful having to get to hospital when youre having an exacerbation. You are so young to have had these problems, i wish you well and hope everything goes ok for you.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

It's definitely worth asking for a nebuliser! Have they offered you any pulmonary rehab to manage your symptoms. Yes its been extremely difficult time for us as a family but we are getting three thankyou

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I have a respiratory nurse i have to see every few months for spirometry tests. I think , now i’m getting older and have had copd for 10 years i probably need some more help with the management. I’ll talk to her about it. We have to do all we can dont we to live as normal lives as possible.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Yes we do! I'll keep checking in with you to see how your doing I hope you get over your exacerbaration soon and things settle for you, roll on summer x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

🙂