Congested

[MrsGLBJ]

Through the night something happens that wakes me up unable to breathe well or I'll sleep pretty much ok, but wake up congested. I'm using the humidifier, I've taken Benedryl, and often times do steam treatments. Do you know any thing else I can try to help with this overnight congestion that's making it hard for me to breathe? Having been diagnosed w/copd, this congestion only adds more stress upon me.

[Sandra1944]

I do the ocean spray for that helps me.

[MrsGLBJ in reply to Sandra1944]

What is "the ocean spray?"

[Sandra1944 in reply to MrsGLBJ]

It is a saline mist spray that you put up in your nose, so you can get that stuff out.

[Starry1956 in reply to Sandra1944]

I do the ocean spray as well works great at night

[Moroblood46]

Fluticasone propionate. Flonase or claritin nasal sprays. See allergist for allerys

[MrsGLBJ in reply to Moroblood46]

I have been prescribed and used the Fluticasone Propionate, two sprays each nostril, once daily and haven't gotten any good results. Do you use yours more than that?

[Starry1956]

I use the Mucinex cough syrup at night for severe congestion and it helps to break it up and I take one mucinex in the morning tablet it helps get that stuff loosen and easier to get up

[MrsGLBJ in reply to Starry1956]

Perhaps, I need to try a different kind of the Mucinex. I'm happy it is working for you.

[Clew123]

I get that a lot also. I have pulled my mask off in the middle of the night because I couldn't breath. I use prescription nasal spray as well. It helps. You wouldn't think it could happen while using the humidifier, but it does. Good luck, hope you find relief. 😉

[MrsGLBJ in reply to Clew123]

Yes, wearing that mask and not feeling like you can breathe is definitely terrifying. I've come out of that mask several times Soon, I will find a spray that works for me, if it's out there.

[BrendaKing521]

Same thing happens to me too! One morning I woke up and literally couldn't breathe even after the inhalers and nebulizer. Had to call 911....scared me to death. I do the nebulizer before going to bed but if I sleep longer than 5 hours I wake up with breathing issues...I feel for you..

[MrsGLBJ in reply to BrendaKing521]

Not being able to breathe even after using the nebulizer is indeed terrifying. I pray we have more better breathing days.

[Acstal]

I drink peppermint tea, green tea and ginseng tea. I found peppermint tea is the most effective. Try it when you feel congestion to see the effects.

[MrsGLBJ in reply to Acstal]

That sounds delicious. Thanks, I will try them.

[Acstal in reply to MrsGLBJ]

Check out American Lung Association website: Team Inspire (subscriptioninspire.com. Really helpful information.

[OmaIndia]

Before you try medical intervention, try this: Cut out all dairy from your diet. Milk, cream, cheese, yogurt, etc cause congestion. Also, use a Breathe Right strip on your nose. These two things may be all you need.

[Nightsweats in reply to OmaIndia]

Damn, give up dairy? ouch that will hurt.

[MrsGLBJ]

I used the Breath Right Strips. They worked the first few times, then began not to work. But, I'll find something that works,soon.

[kluthj]

I use mucinex and that helps also I use cool mist humidifier

[MrsGLBJ in reply to kluthj]

With different kinds of Mucinex available, have you found that one mixture works better for you than the other?

[Jimcw]

I use Neilmed sinus rinse sold over the counter which really helps my breathing. Also I use Fluticasone propionate two squirts at bed time When necessary which also allows me to sleep well when congested........Jim

[MrsGLBJ in reply to Jimcw]

Neilmed is new to me. And, the Fluticasone Propionate is prescribed for me for in the mornings. Perhaps, it will work better by using it before bedtime. Thanks.

[Jimcw in reply to MrsGLBJ]

I am surprised how Neilmed improves my congestion and my breathing all be a temporary. It's an easy process to do and is not expensive at all.

[MrsGLBJ in reply to Jimcw]

It sounds worth a try. Thanks, Jim!

[Starry1956]

I take mucinex cough syrup every night it ha cough congestion and loosens mucus works for me and I use a nibilizer at that time also I sleep good

[Graymarki]

Stop using a humidifier! Humid air is dense and makes it hard for people with copd to breathe.

[grannyk3]

Hi, I know this is kind of an old post, but drinking a lot of water during the day will help with congestion at night. Also make sure you're getting plenty of exercise - keeps the lungs open.

grannyk3 🌹

[MrsGLBJ in reply to grannyk3]

Grannyk3, thanks for your reply! What makes it so bad is that I have begun exercising regularly and drink lots of water. Just this morning I woke thinking,'Uh O, is that congestion in my nostril?' It's crazy because sometimes throughout the night the congestion would go from one nostril to the other depending on whether sleeping on my left or right side.

[grannyk3 in reply to MrsGLBJ]

Hi, are you referring to chest congestion or stuffy nose that you mainly have trouble with? Be careful taking Benadryl -it suppresses your breathing as all meds that make you drowsy do. Plain saline nasal spray used every 4 hours may help. Not sure the humidifier is a great idea, ask respiratory therapist about that. I do hope you are able to get some relief.....we so need our rest.

[MrsGLBJ in reply to grannyk3]

"stuffy nose"

[grannyk3 in reply to MrsGLBJ]

It could take time for relief since your body might not react immediately to your efforts, but keeping making them(especially the tea 😉) and if nothing helps you will have to talk with your doctor about this till she/he finds something that will work.

Hope you have a GOOD week!

grannyk3 🌹

[MrsGLBJ in reply to grannyk3]

Thak you Grannyk3. I value your responses.

[Jasmine-1]

Hi jlb or any one else know why when I wake up in the morning I have a dry mouth and can not breath very well at all I hope someone can tell me why this happens when I wake up

[grannyk3 in reply to Jasmine-1]

Hi jasmine -1, I don't know enough about your situation to know why you wake up with a dry mouth, or can't breathe, but I have had a dry mouth problem since using a ventilator at night.

[grannyk3]

Mrs.GLBJ, I happen to think that allergies could be the culprit, have you ever been tested for them?

[Ribbon36]

If your a mouth breather that can also cause your mouth to dry out. I have the same issues.....mouth is dry and lungs feel tight when I wake up.