New to COPD with nightly breathing difficulties

[Millwall1234]

Having newly been diagnosed withCOPD finding it very hard to cope with breathing; especially at night. Waking up between 2 and 3am with loads of phlegm. After rushing to bathroom and back to bed, cannot get back to sleep as can’t breath after this. have to get up and sit in chair. Please is there anyone also suffering with this.?

[Troilus]

I haven’t really much experience of this except when I have had a bad chest infection. The general rule is to prop yourself up to a sitting (or near enough) position. I find a pillow under the knees helps to keep me there, otherwise I wiggle myself flat without realising it.

I would also book in with your GP. I’m thinking antibiotics/prednisone/change in medication/changing timing of medication/a new med being added.

[darlikxxx9dx in reply to Troilus]

you need a nebulizer with saline solution , this helps to to thin the phlegm ask your doctor asap my wife copd leave anti biotics alone buy a good quality yogurt probiotic do you more good

[Alberta56]

Troilus is right. A device like an AeroBika might help. Have you been referred for pulmonary rehab? Your GP or your consultant should be able to help you.

[Biggles550]

There are drugs that can help thin the phlegm making it easier to get rid of such as carbocisteine but you need to visit your GP to get pescribed.

[Kiki3233]

Hi, I'm sorry to hear about your breathing problems and diagnosis. I went through the same last summer and was diagnosed with ILD due to connective tissue disease. I was put on Prednisolone over a period of 10 weeks (first week 30mg, 2nd week 25...last 6 weeks 10mg) and it's really made a difference in my case. (Just finished the course) Please ask your gp to organize chest scan and referrals. Not sure what else to say apart from good luck and get well soon

[anng18]

A fan can help, if you've had to get up a night. Sit in front of the fan and it will help your breathing. I have one on all night, directed at me in the bed.

[Lutontown]

I've slept in a sitting up position for years now. Started by sleeping in a chaise, but the backrest was too low, so then slept in a recliner chair but not reclined. This has a nice high backrest to support your head. Now have an adjustable bed, similar to the hospital beds. If I lay flat, I just fill up with muck. Also I'm on carbocistiene, which thins the mucus. The only trouble with sleeping upright is that you're loading your backside all day and night, so you have to watch out for pressure sores.

[sheshed01]

I am in United States and on medicare so qualified for smart vest which uses percussion to pull up mucus, helped me tremendously to breath although it took a few weeks to start working, also have an adjustable bed to remain upright , now at least I can sleep. Best of luck to you if you qualify for the vest. Air Physio also helped with mucus expelling, you can find on Amazon. Hope this helps

[PaulineHM]

Hi Millwall1234,

Sorry you are having this issue.

There are a number of things you can try to help. Ensure that you take enough clear fluids to drink through the day, this will thin the mucous.

You could ask for a trial of Carbocisteine - a mucous thinner, but take about 2 weeks before it begins to work,

You could request a referral to the respiratory physiotherapist to learn some mucous clearing methods which you can use at home.

Some people use salt pipes but it has never in 20 years worked for me.

Let us know how you get on.

Good wishes

Pauline