Hi all
My Dad 86yrs has recently been diagnosed with COPD. He’s absolutely fine sitting down , he’s chatty & can still sing. He has 2 inhalers ( ventolin. & a once a day bronchial inhaler) They don’t seem to be doing any good. He can just about walk 10 steps before he so short of breath he’s almost collapsed on us. Does anyone recommend anything else? Steroids & nebuliser? Our Doc seems totally uninterested.
Hello Pugsey and welcome to the forum. I'm sorry to hear how difficult things are for your dad at the moment. I don't have the answers to your question but it might be a good idea for you to call the BLF helpline (03000 030 555). They have respiratory nurses who know everything there is to know about breathing so should be able to make some suggestions for meds as well as advice on getting somewhere with the GP. Good luck!
I'm sorry to know your dad's having these issues and it's just awful that his doctor isn't interested. It's not normal to be so unwell after walking such a short distance, so his doctor should definitely be interested. Unfortunately some doctors just aren't that interested in older people. Is there a different doctor your dad can see? Artichokes gives good advice, if you phone the BLF they should be able to give you help and support in how to deal with the whole situation. Wishing you and your dad all the best 🤞
If he can sing, suggest he tries doing some singing exercises to improve breathing deeply using the diaphragm. There are lots on You Tube. These may help.
So sorry to hear your doctor isnt interested in your dad's problems, its so sad we have to fight to have decent care in old age. I would contact the blf helpline as Artichokes advises and also ask your gp to refer your dad to respiratory , they would be able to treat him with a number of things and hopefully get him in the correct inhaler x
Pugsey i have very Severe COPD , i use trelergy as a once a day inhaler and Ventolin as needed , I get out of breath even walking 10 yards especially in the cold. One of the hardest lessons i had to learn was to go at my bodies pace , resting even between minor chores/excercise , planning any walks with seats, rest or leaning post every 20 yrds ish.
I take my ventolin 10 mins before excercise and it helps a little with recovery but not with getting out of breath in the first place.
One of the things that helped me for all aspects of COPD was a pulminory rehab course.
Hi Pugsey
I have added the information from our website on COPD you may find useful. Do feel free to call us for a chat with one of our friendly nurses.
blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...
take care
Debs
Your Dad needs to learn to breathe correctly when walking. If not causes SOB rapid breathing and panic attack . Breathe in through nose hold it then out through mouth slowly. A good way to remember is .Smell the Roses, Blow out the candle slowly. Hope it helps. xxSheila 💕
Get your dad to see a consultant if your GP is not helping. The consultant’s prescription cannot be changed by the GP.
I have to agree with Biggles. Such is the nature of severe COPD. I have been better since changing to a new once-daily inhaler (Spiolto - tiotropium/olodaterol) but what suits one doesn't work for another. Pulmonary rehab is hard work (they know how far to push you 
) but very effective if you keep up the exercises and his respiratory team will normally offer to arrange it if the need is there. The problem is that breathlessness is so tiring that we tend to avoid exercise in the end, which is counter-productive. Encourage your dad to get out of his chair and move around at regular intervals and to do the sort of exercise which does make him quite breathless but not to the point of collapse. And I agree - call the BLF for more qualified advice than we are likely to be able to give here :-).
Typical of many doctors! I can relate to your Dad! Although I'm just a young guy (70!) I suffer in a similar way. I'm still alive because I decided on my own, to ignore and defy my doctors instructions.! I'm not sure what medications your Dad is on, but for comparison, I'm on Ventolin Inhaler as needed, Spiriva slow release inhaler once a day, Symbicort twice a day and Combivent nebulizer capsules 3 times daily. In addition, on my own initiative I take high strength Vitamin D (5000 micrograms), a single N-Acetyl Cysteine capsule every night (this releases mucus from the airways). (Some of these brand names might be different in the UK). In addition a decent diet is very important. If you look up the "Anti Inflammatory Diet" this is one of the best for COPD, but don't forget the herbs and spices that goes with this diet. These cause the reactions. There are all kinds of good stuff and dodgy stuff out there, so be careful. One of the good ones (works for some, not for all) are porcini or shitake mushrooms. If not these, the extract can be bought in capsule form. These ones are genuine! After that, the main therapy is to remain upright as much as possible. I'm also a 10 step person, but I lean against a wall, stay standing, and when the breath recovers take another few steps. Over time, it will improve. If you can get the health service to buy him a walker (like Captain Tom's!) that will extend his steps and give him a place to rest. Wish him well and hope some of this helps! All the very best and stay safe, kindest wishes Jim
I agree singing is one of the best lung exercises and BLF have the most relevant information for your Dads condition.
Has he tried using 2puffs of ventolin( thro aerosure spacer) b4 attempting to walk.then perhaps use it 10 + mins before,stand up,and relaxed breathing,b4 taking steps.it will help If u do controlled breathing with him
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