breathlessness

[Osha]

hello to all of us who are suffering from this horrible broncheactesis ! and all lung disease I think one is just as bad as the other . Can I ask is there anyone who gets suddenly out of breath (worse than normal out of breath) but when I test my sats it says they’re the same as my normal sats. I can’t understand this and I don’t know the cause. Does it mean I’ve got an exarsabation ? (can’t spell it) please reply me if you have suffered this

[Ern007]

Hi, I don't have broncheactesis so I don't know much about it. I have emphysema AKA COPD So when I have an exacerbation with COPD wheezing can be noisy and breathing is hard work and exhausting.

Best way I know how to help you is to give you a link - There are people on here who have what you have, no doubt one or more will answer.

In the meantime - Read this.

nth.nhs.uk/resources/bronch...

[Osha in reply to Ern007]

Thanks Ern. Interesting reading How to recognise a flare up. “If your bad day is worse than your normal bad day” didn’t think of it like that !

[Hidden]

An exacerbation with bronch is very different to one with copd. It usually involves more sputum which has changed in colour and texture. Drop in sats is usually a problem for those wiith copd. I have had bronch all of my life and my sats have stayed 97-99 through my exacerbations and even when I had 4 pneumothoraxes last year. A sudden breathlessness could be because you have sputum stuck down there which you haven't shifted and need to have a go at getting it out. It could also be a sign that the sputum is becoming thicket because an exacerbation is coming on. It is this that makes bronch so complex. The link which Ern sent you is very good.

[Biker88]

surprisingly O2 sats and breathlessness are not linked, I was quite surprised when I was first told this. Breathlessness is the reaction of the chest muscles to a perceived lack of O2 not an actual lack of O2 and I have been prescribed Oramorph for my breathlessness as it relaxes the chest muscles and reduces the reaction. I found the breathing exercises and techniques on the pulmonary rehab course very useful in helping to control my breathing when I get breathless also is a lot of info on breathing techniques available on line or talking to a respiratory physio can be very helpful

[leo60 in reply to Biker88]

I still have doctors telling me that I should up my O2 when I'm breathless, even though I am a retainer!! 🤷‍♀️🙄 xx

[Alberta56 in reply to leo60]

I take it this is the wrong answer. I'm not a doctor, so it's all right for me to be ignorant, BUT!!!!!- Grrr!

[leo60 in reply to Alberta56]

Absolutely the wrong answer! GRRRRR is the right answer 😂😂 xx

[knitter]

I have asthma / COPD …..been so breathless last couple of days I have contacted my GP surgery …..but O2 level is 99% ….peak flow 150 .

Never been 99% for ages but I can hardly walk without losing my breath .

[Osha in reply to knitter]

Hello knitter. Read biker88 his text is very informative

[Izb1]

Hi Osha, I have bronchiectasis and have been waking up in the night breathless, it is not down to mucus as there is nothing to clear. This is new to me and I am wondering if its something like sleep apnea as its mainly at night, I have started breathing exercises three times a day to see if this will help and trying to sit up straight as i have noticed I am slouching alot. Perhaps a word with your gp to see if the inhaler you are on is right for you x

[Nula2]

Hi Osha, I have Bronchiectasis and am always breathless. I can't reach up or bend down anymore as it knocks the breath right out of me. Just wondered if this could be the cause of your problem. Take care xxx