Copd

[bryan45735]

Hi I was diagnosed with stage 1 copd my anxiety is really bad now when I lay down it's like I'm hungry for air been to doctors several time taken oxegen says everything fine they say it's my anxiety

[Shortlungs]

I am like all the time have been for3 years lung doctor tells me to go and have a good life but my oxygen can be 99 and Ifeel like I am suffocating sorry I havent got a better answer as I am still struggling with this still looking for answers

[bryan45735 in reply to Shortlungs]

Was you told it was anxiety, what stage are u at

[Shortlungs in reply to bryan45735]

was mild when first told but couldnt breathe lung doctor still telling me I am ok they dont tell me the stages except I still the same as first diagnoised

[guytane in reply to Shortlungs]

told me the same 9 years ago I never had problem breathing never smoked but had ashma never new wot copd was till I read it up on internet gues wott my chest and breathing went tite since copd was all doom n gloom ever since inhalers work some times some times don't in in your mind to start with think positive think health you be ok

[2greys]

Anxiety is a very real problem, it can cause the symptoms of shortness of breath and appear very real at the time, even though you are not actually low on blood oxygen, and it can cause hyperventilation to the point of actually passing out.

I have very severe Emphysema (stage 4) with a lung function of less than 28%, yet I cope pretty well and can, just about, work full-time, on my feet all day as a production engineer. Just to put it in perspective, I do realise we are all different, but when it comes to symptoms, at stage one, mild, I do believe that your problem is just anxiety based. You need to see your GP and tell him/her of of your problem to get help with this.

[bryan45735 in reply to 2greys]

Thanks 2greys theres me on 80% are u are an inspiration

[knitter]

My oxygen levels can be OK, but I can still be breathless....it’s difficult for others to understand this sometimes.

Has your health professional given you any advice on how to deal with your anxiety.....any medication, or talking therapies such as mindfulness or meditation....or pulmonary rehab?

Could you ask them for help?

There is a charity in my town that offers a course on how to deal with the difficulties of living with a long term health condition. It’s got a good reputation .....so check out any help first, make sure they are reliable.

Have you tried the pursed lip breathing technique ....it helps some people. Breathe in gently through your nose....gently...then out gently through pursed lips. Repeat a few times.

Always try and breathe gently, gently using your nose and as relaxed as you can at other times.

Just stop from time to time to check you are nose breathing ....gently gently ..to warm and filter the air.

Meditation, listening to relaxing music, bird song etc videos on you tube helps me too.

But please ask your health professional for advice on how to manage anxiety. Ask them to check your breathing pattern ....speed of breath, what part of your chest you are using to see if you are breathing as well as you can and not hyperventilating.

[mogs302 in reply to knitter]

You should take twice as long to breathe out as to breathe in.

[Roessner541]

For some reason I suffered from anxiety and had to be put on medication my doctor didn't like me on it so I had to figure something else out I also had that air hunger feeling. I started taking breathes through my nose to the count of four and out through my mouth to the count of 8 I have to do it a few times but it works for me but I can't tell you why. It justcalms me.

[Caspiana]

Hello Bryan, 👋

Unfortunately for us with chronic illness anxiety and depression are pretty common. Anxiety can manifest itself in many ways, one of which can be feeling shortness of breath even though you are getting enough oxygen. As Roessner has suggested breathing techniques are very useful. Try this Youtube "breathe bubble" video. It may help you . I would also suggest you talk to your doctor about your anxiety.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=5DqTu...(Not working as expected?)

Take care. 😊👋

[bryan45735]

Thanks everyone for supporting words

[lKeith]

bryan45735

Anxiety can show itself in the form of breathlessness and shear panic, Have you tried you GP for a course of a drug I think is called Lorazipan . (spelling could well be wrong) This should help with the anxiety. Also try elevating the pillows to get you into more of a sitting position.

This will stop the mucus from getting down on chest. I've got a "Hospital" bed from the local palliative care team which gets you up into this position, works with me but it is a bit of a strange position to get used to.

IKeith

[bryan45735]

So I've been to my doctors today, regarding the breathing he has upped my medication for anxiety which he strongly feels it's not my copd I had chest xray 2 weeks ago that was normal I see the copd nurse next month to check my lung function in sep last year it was 80% i dont no what to think its constant breathing with me i dont cought or wheeze i walk 20 miles most days I'm sorry guys i no everyone is different

[Kristicats]

I do know many people that have stayed at 70 - 80% Fev1 for many many years. Some take a long acting inhaler and some just a shot of ventalin occasionally when climbing etc. Some don’t need anything.

So in my view it’s just a warning at that stage to stop smoking and keep as active as you can. If you do that and stop panicking you should live as long as anyone else your age. ( advise from my consultant years ago) Take Care Cx