I have severe COPD (emphysema)
My Home does not have a bath and I fi... - Lung Conditions C...
My Home does not have a bath and I find showering makes me very breathless; does anyone else have this problem or is it claustrophobia?
Written by
JoM49
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
18 Replies
•
Its the humidity with hot showers, maybe cool the water down a bit, Open a window in the bathroom, have a seat in the shower. If your shower is a small dark cubical that could be claustrophobic I guess.
mikeadams51 in reply to
The problem with small cubicles is there is insufficient air available, thus less oxygen, so when the shower is running warm humid air decreases the amount of oxygen available. I find a bath more easier to wash than small showers. Se whether occupational health will fit you a wet room giving you more air flow. Good luck.
It takes a lot of effort to have a shower in my experience. I have a grab rail and a shower seat.
Drying myself also takes too much effort so I just put on a robe and basically drip dry.
I, too, have severe COPD ( Emphysema ).
Both baths and showers take an effort. I have to leave the window and door open with a big pedestal fan blowing in through the door. My heart rate will go up to 155 bmp along with laboured breathing. It is still a doable task and hard work, but a no-no if the bathroom was not well ventilated. Others do not get this problem with steamy air, we are all different, but you are not alone with this issue. The water vapour/steam makes the air thicker/denser thus making it a bit harder to breath even before any physical effort.
The seat -plus hand-hold-has made a really great difference! And a flush to floor shower tray, too.
Humidity seems not to be a prob, it’s the act of hair washing that takes the most out of me. But a sit n soak really comforting.
As we learn all the time, we’re all different! Makes life interesting for our doctors anyway 😊
We don’t have a bath and Pete struggles with the shower sometimes. He has the window open and showers as quickly as he can. I help him dry off or he gets too breathless. Xxxx
Hi
Check your shower head, if it’s multi spray with a rubberised insert. Change for simple plain plastic chrome finish or metal.
The former emits a fine mist on the edge of spray pattern contains water droplets, which you breath deep into your lungs.
I'm not very DIY - when you have a free moment could you perhaps illustrate with a photo? This sounds like very useful advice to me.
I'm very Lucky that The Council gave me a Bungalow fitted out for the Disabled. I have quite a large Wet room, with the correct Fixtures, I too pre plan my Shower Mornings, Thankfully my Oxygen Tube reach from the Bedroom, I have always loved very Hot water, I turn the heat down now, use minimum shampoo so less soapy suds to rinse, have a chair, hand rails powerful shower. Toweling Gown straight on, Great in Winter. No, not like the days of a Lavish Bath tub scents and wine...oooh, I'm dreaming., Ha Ha... ...... Love n Hugs xxxx
The last time I had a bath I felt like a seal flopping about trying to get out a tub ! I am now stuck with shower over bath but like others have it to be quite an ordeal, too warm and tiring , could not get a breathe so its window open, fan on, low heat and in and out asap. And wrap in towels till dry , not ideal but best I can do.
Yes it's difficult. I attached a hand held shower and turn it on and off, soaping in between. I sit most of the time and keep the shower head on pulse, not spray. Most days I do take a sponge bath instead.
I have a wet room and yes it takes a lot out of you ,very breathless .i to have emphysema and severe copd
And find washing my hair has to be done at a different time
Hello JoM49, I suffer with very severe COPD Emphaseama, and I have a wet room with shower no bath. I have a seat in mine, but because of breathlessness at any amount of energy, my husband showers and helps me to dress. ✋️😊
A couple of years ago we had our bathroom converted to a wet room ie just a shower, basin and toilet in it. Everyone has commented on what a good idea it is and how well it has been done - but I still got loads of bath essence and bubble bath for my birthday! Lol! People just don't think, do they? Ah well, they'll go in a raffle some time!
I went for the shower because climbing in and out of the bath was awkward and I had a couple of vertigo attacks and asthma attacks that made it difficult to get out. I do find the shower takes it out of me, though. xx Moy
I try to open the window slightly whilst I shower I do find this helps me as I too have very severe emphysema 
