Has anyone been prescribed Beta Blockers to reduce breathlessness.

[hallentine47]

Has anyone been prescribed Beta Blockers to reduce breathlessness. I have Emphysema/COPD 23% lung capacity. Any feed back would be appreciated.

[Hidden]

Guess makes sense really to be prescribe them to see if heart issues are causing breathlessness

This a lot have breathing issues that could in fact be caused by heart issues

[Badbessie]

There could be a number of reasons for you being prescribed Beta Blockers. Obviously there could be cardiac issues as others have suggested but as you have not stated your have a known cardiac condition then I very much doubt the doctor prescribed them for this. Beta Blockers can also play a role in reducing anxiety which can affect breathing. The best advice I can give would be speak with your GP about their reason for prescribing them.

[hallentine47 in reply to Badbessie]

Thank you for your input.

[Ergendl]

I was taken off beta blockers when diagnosed with COPD as they work against the inhaler I was prescribed. So check with your GP why you've been prescribed them.

[hallentine47 in reply to Ergendl]

Thanks for your reply. Basically I have been examined for just about every possible cause of this rapid increase of breathlessness this year and Beta Blockers were admittedly a last ditch attempt to help me.

[Saracat23]

Hello, I’ve just been given beta blockers. I also have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and my old GP wouldn’t prescribe them as it used to be thought they affected airways. The new generation of beta blockers don’t and can help reduce breathlessness caused by arrhythmias, heart failure or anxiety. My specialist suggested I try them and I’m on a very low dose but I think there has been an improvement. I think they’re worth trying.

[hallentine47 in reply to Saracat23]

Thank you so much for that very positive and encouraging reply. It has really helped.

[Saracat23 in reply to hallentine47]

It’s nice to have something to contribute! Hope all goes well 🙂

[hallentine47 in reply to Saracat23]

Can you tell mt the name of your Beta Blockers please?

[Saracat23 in reply to hallentine47]

Bisoprolol Fumarate. Hope that helps 🙂

[hallentine47 in reply to Saracat23]

That is exactly what I have been prescribed 2.5 mg. Reading the paper work that comes with the tabs certainly puts me off so your experience has been invaluable.

[Saracat23 in reply to hallentine47]

I know exactly what you mean. I always read the paperwork but sometimes it is very off-putting. They do have to include worst case scenarios I suppose but it’s not very reassuring. Have you had any side effects?

[hallentine47 in reply to Saracat23]

I started taking the Beta Blockers today and wait to see how the day progresses. I take so many other meds it will be interesting what lies ahead!

[Saracat23 in reply to hallentine47]

Good luck! Yes, I take a few too, it’s always interesting to add a new one to the mix!

[stamford1234 in reply to Saracat23]

Interesting info about new generation beta blockers, thanks. I love this site, always something helpful

[Saracat23 in reply to stamford1234]

Yes, I get lots of useful info here 🙂

[Izb1]

My Aunty is on that for high blood pressure, do you have high blood pressure, did they check you for this. It could be that they do help with your anxiety which in turn helps your breathing, if they are working for you this is great x

[hallentine47 in reply to Izb1]

Thank you and yes I am being treated for High Blood pressure using three different meds throughout the day. I am also on long term antibiotic and steroid prescriptions and blood thinning Riveroxaban. I have learned to manage this illness over the last 14 years since being diagnosed and next week start my 4th Pulmonary Rehab in 10 years but it is just the last few months my breathing has become very suddenly and almost constantly more difficult. My Doctors have nothing left to try me on except perhaps these Beta Blockers.

[Izb1 in reply to hallentine47]

Well hopefully these will sort you out, good luck with them x

[hallentine47 in reply to Izb1]

Thank you.

[megshafer]

In the U.S. beta blockers such as Inderal is given for anxiety. And, most person's with any lung disease, do have anxiety even, if it is just here and there. There was also some research not too long ago, where is stated some beta blockers did help people breath better.

Take care, stay well,

Meg

[hallentine47 in reply to megshafer]

Thank you so much for this information. I actually started taking them this morning along with a cabinet of my usual meds!!! See what happens as the day progresses.

[falconcottage1]

bless you

[hallentine47]

Well at Xmas I was to discover the reason for my shortness of breath and swollen ankles. I had 2 heart attacks and double pnuemonia and Xmas new year in Hospital so now I am on a whole new regime of medications. A double whammy and not unusual that these conditions go together. I seem to survive these events but quality of life is under threat constantly.