Air hunger
I’m finding air hunger to be one of the most difficult things to deal with at the moment. Newly on supplementary oxygen but when I’m having an uncontrollable coughing session I begin panting through my mouth. It takes a while for me to be able to do the pursed lip breathing and what seems like hours (probably about 5 minutes) before I can really get back to normal.
My doctor has prescribed low dose liquid morphine for this but only three times a day. These episodes happen 6 or 7 times a day. Not coping well at all!
Hi Biddy48, and thanks for your comment. We hear you! In fact, shortness of breath (SOB), dyspnea (difficulty breathing), and air hunger, can all be symptoms associated with COPD. So many patients have expressed similar sentiments about just how difficult and frightening it can be to have this type of experience with COPD, so you are definitely not alone!
Since this may be new for you and, as you said, you have just recently been placed on supplemental oxygen, I would urge you to continue to work on your pursed lip breathing technique. Of all the strategies to assist with labored breathing, I have found the pursed-lip breathing technique to be the most effective (both professionally and personally). You may find by working on this technique, when you are NOT having trouble breathing, it may make it easier for you to use it more effectively and slow/calm yourself down, when you are having difficulty! In essence, by practicing the technique, I think you will find that you will become better at using it.
That is what I advise my patients to do and it's been pretty successful in most cases.
Please do keep us posted as to your progress, going forward. I would also appreciate you sharing with us (if you want to), how you find using the prescribed low dose morphine works for you.
Wishing you the best,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)Leon, thanks for your prompt reply. I was diagnosed with IPF in July 2016 and only found out about the COPD when it was included in a referral to Pulmonary Rehab. Asthma was there too but I knew about that.
Steep learning curve re oxygen use. Have had some horrendous nosebleeds. Now use Fess frequently to moisturise the nasal tissues.
The nosebleeds caused the worst air hunger as I couldn’t use the oxygen properly and both nostrils were blocked. The liquid morphine helped but the episodes freaked me out. The morphine also helps with the cough.
Cheers from chilly Australia
Colleen PHi again Biddy48 (Colleen), and so good to hear back from you - all the way from Australia, too! It sounds like you're managing quite a bit with COPD, IPF (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis), and asthma. Add to that the nosebleeds, and you certainly do have your share to contend with!
Glad to hear you seem to be managing all fairly well - once one gets over the anxiety and fright - you may be able to feel like you have somewhat more control over the various conditions.
If there is anything we can do to assist you, even if it's just to lend a listening ear, please let me or any other moderator / team member know.
Wishing you well (here from New York, in the summertime!)
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)It’s well known that dyspnea triggers anxiety and panic attacks, causing hyperventilation and unnecessary pain and distress. Despite all the dire warnings about combining opioids and benzodiazepines, the risk is largely dose dependent and these medications are frequently used in combination safely. In my case, Klonopin was added at .5mg every 8 hours and the results have been excellent, with no complications or respiratory depression. Discuss your anxiety with your doctors and always take medications as directed. In my experience, the anxiety medications are amazingly effective once they’ve been adjusted to your daily cycle of dyspnea incidents. Keeping a personal written record of incidents to share with your doctors can help them identify your particular needs. Good luck!
