Lightheaded

[BusNut]

I was just wondering whether those you that have COPD whether you suffer from lightheadedness (if that is such a word), upon getting up and moving around? If so, is this a common thing and what can be done to help with it?

[Hidden]

I’m not medically qualified, and it may not be relevant, but how long does it last, and have you had your BP checked recently? If the lightheadedness comes on with standing but goes away after being up and about for a minute, it could be a case of orthostatic hypotension. That’s the fancy way of saying a drop in blood pressure on getting up, and it can happen from lying, bending or sitting. It can often be caused by medications, but some people develop it naturally, particularly as they get older, and it can occur more in people with blood pressure that’s more towards the lower end of normal. Head rushes most people have experienced at least once or twice in life are usually caused by a bout of orthostatic hypotension, but it can range from that head rush feeling to actually fainting and some bits in between. I’d be alright on immediately standing, then go lightheaded to the point of having to hold on to the wall and start shaking like I was having a major seizure about 30 seconds after getting up. I don’t have COPD, mine was caused by medication I was taking for something else, but I was found clinging onto the fridge many a time, and scared the postie more than once. If it is OH, there are a few things you can do to try and reduce it, including making sure you stay well hydrated, getting up gradually and slowly, avoiding crossing your legs, and - after taking medical advice to make sure it’s ok - potentially adding a little extra salt in your diet.

It’s one to run by your GP either way, but if it lasts longer than a minute or so, or doesn’t tie in just to physically getting up, it’s very definitely one to speak to the medics about just to make sure all is well.

[judg69]

Very common BusNut. Best advice ever given me , and it actually works: “Prime the Pump” by inhaling deeply, then exhale slowly as you rise . Pause, prime the pump again by inhaling deeply, then exhale slowly as you begin to walk or exert yourself, then Pause again and so forth and so on .........., judg69

[Hidden]

Hi , yes tell your asthma management nurse or your doctor about the light-headedness because it's best to deal with it now . I was suffering with it to begin with and ignored it and after a year it went from light-headed to totally blacking out and at one stage I was blacking out around 15-20 times a day , on one occasion I was out in town and blacked out and one of the locals called an ambulance who popped me to hospital , it was caused by lack of oxygen in the blood , my c.o.p.d hadn't been treated in over a year at that stage , the pulmonologist called the attacks hypoxic attacks ! So my suggestion is don't panic about it but make sure you inform your doctor or nurse who deals with your c.o.p.d . .

[Spacecat1]

Have you checked with a gp/practices nurse for ear wax first. Then speak to gp about your problem. I do suffer from light-headedness but mine is low blood pressure. I have to take care getting out of bed on getting up if a chair i tend to have to do everything in slow motion. But please speak to your hp. Look after yourself

[cofdrop-UK]

I feel for you BusNut. Being lightheaded is horrid and can have a number of causes, so I would suggest you see you doc about it when you can.

I have Positional Hypotension and it’s very scary. I had a heart test which was not the cause. There was no mention of it being to do with my lung condition (which is not copd). I was advised, as Charlie was, following tests to drink more fluid and going against everything I had done add salt to food. To buy elastic stockings (Aaargh) but actually if you ware trousers a lot, then a black pair doesn’t matter visually but they are too hot in summer. I was also taught to tense my calf muscles when I feel lightheaded. I have made a connection to my IBS and feel it is due to the loss of fluid but that is just a personal observation and not as yet medical as I haven’t seen them for yonks due to the pandemic. Mine may also be due to age and my blood pressure will drop by 20. They say rise from bed or a chair slowly but we all know life isn’t like that eg I was cutting back plants in the garden and was knelt down for ages, bobbing up and down to the next one. Suddenly I got up and things went very dark and I knew if I didn’t sit I would go. I always have a chair handy and between the hypotension and breathlessness, it’s getting more use than ever. It does make you lose confidence.

Hope you get to see someone soon and it can be resolved for you.

Cx

[Bkin]

I don't think that is necessarily related to COPD Busnut, lots of answers to choose from above, I could add a few more but I think.....

It would be best to chat with your doctor about this if it is occurring regularly so that your doctor can check things out and get an idea about the true cause.

[Collie4]

It could be to do with your blood pressure. Or your breathing ,( oxygen not circulating properly ), but it would be good to speak to your GP as they can find out for you with tests etc. I would phone GP. Stay safe.

[BusNut]

Wow thanks everyone for your responses. It’s actually my partner who is the COPD sufferer. He actually ended up being taken into hospital last night and they have said he is dehydrated (although he has been drinking lots of water recently, but obviously not enough ☹️) and put on a drip, as well as other medication to open his airways. We are very lucky that we have a good team of COPD nurses and a GP who are taking interest in his condition and are trying to do their best for him.