Do any of you suffer from muscle twitching / shakes

[mrblue12]

Hello,

I've suffered from what I suspect is chronic bronchitis for about 9 years now. I first started showing symptoms when I was only 22, and now, at 31, things are getting considerably worse. I have to take regular medication, and use a device to help clear mucus off my chest.

I first started noticing muscle twitching and shaking around 5 years ago. I thought I had developed some sort of essential tremor. A few months later, I noticed the tremor getting much worse, and my shortness of breath was getting worse too. I started using a device to get mucus off my chest and the tremors stopped.

Unfortunately, over the years, it's become more difficult to get the same results. These days, I'm starting to notice the twitching is coming back despite my best efforts to clear mucus off my chest. I've noticed that I get these muscle twitches / shakes more when I use my inhaler, but I also get them when I am bringing up more mucus than normal or if I don't clear mucus off my chest for a few days.

I've noticed that this shaking affects my extremities more. It's particular bad in my hands and feet, but it can also effect my arms, legs, and head.

I suspect it's asterixis brought on by trapping CO2. I think that would explain why it gets worse when I stop my mucus clearance routine.

My question is: do any of you suffering from COPD / chronic bronchitis / or other lung disorders that cause excessive mucus suffer from similar muscle twitching or shaking?

[Kristicats]

Muscle twitching and tremors can be a side effect of some inhalers. Worth checking out?

[mrblue12 in reply to Kristicats]

I've noticed that I get them even when I don't take my inhaler, but it is more pronounced when I take it.

[sassy59]

Hi, Pete has COPD (bronchitis) plus sarcoidosis. He uses a nebuliser twice a day everyday to keep his chest clear. He sometimes shakes if he’s had too much Ventolin but twitching, restlessness occurs usually when he’s in bed. Sometimes he strikes out or kicks me which isn’t nice. That’s probably completely different to what you’re going through but I do wonder what all Pete’s medication is doing to him.

Speak to your doctor and get it checked out if you can. Take care xxxxx

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

I have COPD in and there are times I have muscle twitching it can be so annoying. Have a good day and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx

[Bkin]

Ventolin Salbutamol when taking maximum dose can certainly give the shakes and cramping in the extremities. Its worth discussing your symptoms with your doctor as they may be related to something else entirely.

Hope you find the cause and can get some relief.

Best wishes BK

[hypercat54]

Hi have you been diagnosed with a lung problem? You are unusually young to have copd.

[Gary56]

Yes, I have them as well. I don’t use inhalers except trellegy Ellipta,