Scarily breathless first thing in the morning.

[saramic]

Hi, when I wake up, particularly during an exacerbation, I am very, very breathless which is very frightening. I have all the 'helpers' to hand, but wondered if anyone else had advice/tips for this horrible time of day.

[CDPO16]

Hi,

I am often very, very breathless first thing in a morning and understand how this feels. I have learnt over recent years to use my reliever inhaler before moving but then do things very slowly and be prepared to sit until the breathlessness eases (a bit). Fortunately I am retired so am able to do this.

For over 3 years I have slept propped up on 3 pillows, you may find this helps if you don't already do so.

[saramic in reply to CDPO16]

Thank you, so nice to hear of others! I will try the pillows as I think lying down is the source of the problem. Once upright it gets easier.

[CDPO16 in reply to saramic]

Worth a try and I hope it helps. Best wishes

[knitter]

I have four pillows and extra cushions if needed. Try and sit up first thing and regain control of your breathing......gentle low and slow nose breathing. Inhaler close by. Sips of water maybe.

If I was really panicky I would switch on the tv or radio or music as a distraction to help calm. Now I have a meditation app which I use.

At one time I used to listen to a tape of a thunderstorm and pouring rain.....very weird but it did seem to ease the panic.

[Duff1953]

I to find very very difficult first thing in the morning I now wake up at about 4 30 I sit up very slow i take a little drink of water wait for a little time then take two puffs of my reliever then I lay down slowly I find that it is helpful it doesn’t stop everything from happening but it certainly does ease the smytoms I am still very underweight and I have been told that it is not helping my situation good luck to you duff

[bobbyfloyd]

I am breathless in the morning and fail to get back upstairs till all inhalers taken, it can be a worry but just try and breath slowly and take all things very slowly till you get better in the day, got my medication on window sill and take them first, then have a short rest, may help, i think many, many people like us has the same problem, it can be scary and a worry and hope it gets better for you

[stamford1234]

Try not to panic. I take my Braitus (tiotropium) as soon as I can after I wake up. Then take it slowly. Do some breathing exercises. There is really nothing to rush for, you have the whole day ahead. I tell myself it doesn't matter to be a bit out of breath. We are all different, and every day is different! COPD was FEV29, now 34 so quite serious. The numbers don't phase me, I think it's how you feel that is most important. I feel well at the moment, but soooo tired. Can't wait for the better weather. Sorry this reply has turned into a me me thing. Hope you don't mind