Breathing worries

[Caravan22]

My husband has recently been diagnosed with COPD but is suffering badly with cough and is struggling to breathe. Our doctor has given him a steroid inhaler, and will see him in surgery on Tuesday. Can they carry out s spirometry test, or is this not available during lockdown. He has been up most of the night coughing, and we are desperate for advice. Hope it if ok to ask these kind of questions.

[sassy59]

Welcome to the forum Caravan22. Sorry to hear about your husbands struggles. I’m unsure if spirometry tests are being done just now as my husband hasn’t had one recently. Check with your GP surgery.

If you’re worried about your husbands breathing then do contact 111 or dial 999 if necessary.

Hoping things improve soon and feel free to ask us whatever you want to. Take care xxxx

[Caravan22 in reply to sassy59]

Thank you for getting back to me.I had to ring 111 after posting this, as his breathing hadn't improved. They eventually sent an ambulance and gave him oxygen in the ambulance. which helped him so much.

Paramedics were brilliant.

They took him down to the hospital.

Just picked him up.

He has had an X ray, and blood tests, and more oxygen.

He seems much calmer, but cough is still there.

Until he has a spirometry, they cannot fully diagnose COPD but have given him steroid tablets.

Will make a list of questions to ask our GP on Tuesday.

Have been given a phone number for lung foundation, to ring tomorrow.

Both so tired now, so hopefully will get some sleep tonight

Thank you once again

[sassy59 in reply to Caravan22]

I’m pleased your husband was seen in A&E and hopefully he will improve once he has a full diagnosis. I do wish you both a good nights sleep and do phone the British Lung Foundation tomorrow.

Take care xxxxx

[Spacecat1]

Welcome to you both. Had copd since 2007 I Have lots of support from my family. Make sure you ask all the questions you want answering. During these difficult we have had lots of support from our gp and hospital on line and by phone. I am feeling good at the moment my breathing not good but I have my inhalers . How long has your husband been diagnosed.

[CDPO16]

Hi and welcome. Spirometry is not being done by many GP surgeries because of the pandemic. The good thing is that you have a review with your doctor on Tuesday where you can discuss your husband's difficulties and your concerns again. You didn't say how long your husband has been using the steroid inhaler but these can take at least a month to have their full effect. Sometimes with inhalers it can be a case of trying different ones as people respond differently. If your husband is coughing up phlegm you could perhaps take a sample with you on Tuesday. The other thing I would add is for your husband to stay propped up on pillows when in bed to ease his breathing and the cough if he doesn't already do this.

Make a list of things you want to discuss with your doctor on Tuesday. You may also find it useful to phone the BLF helpline for advice from their nurses.

Hope things improve for you soon.

[Biker88]

I have COPD and Aspergillosis and used to have a persistent dry cough. My GP suggested that it was thick sputum which was not shifting, I was prescribed Carbocistine and saline nebuliser and recommended to learn the huffing technique of lung clearance. The cough did improve and avoiding laying flat at night and sleeping propped up also helped. Has he been offered a pulmonary rehab course, if not ask your GP for a referral. The face to face is best when they are permitted again but there are some virtual on line courses running. These courses are very good for learning about dealing with breathing issues.

[Straddie]

Carbostine also helped me a lot with chest clearance and also a flutter. Pulmonary rehab is a great way of learning how to cope better. In the short term. Codeine is wonderful for stopping a cough though not recommended for long. The chemist won’t give it to you without a prescription but ask about co-codomol (codeine and paracetamol) which they will sell over the counter.

[Alberta56]

Welcome to the forum. I hope you both got the good night's sleep you so needed. There are various things to try to ease the coughing. I hope your husband soon finds ways that work for him.

[Kristicats]

Apparently not it’s not safe. But if you pay ... it’s suddenly safe! ( and quick) 🙄