Can your windpipe close up with COPD?
It felt like my windpipe had closed up whilst trying to eat my dinner
Hi Probbo -
That's a great question. Simply put, when a person describes their "windpipe closing" they usually are referring to what we call "bronchospasm". Or in other words, the airway is tightening up and narrowing due to the smooth muscles along the walls of the airways contracting. This can be caused by inflammation and irritation of the airways. It's often associated with a COPD exacerbation.
This is sometimes the reason a doctor will prescribe a bronchodilator as part of your medication regimen. Do you take a nebulizer or inhaler? If not, next time you see your doctor be sure to describe what happened and perhaps they'll prescribe something to help.
Here's an article that talks about the many symptoms associated with COPD, including airway restriction.
https://copd.net/clinical/what-is-copd-definition/
Warmest Regards,
Lyn (site moderator)Thank you for your reply Lyn. I have inhalers but i will speak to my GP about getting Bronchodilater prescribed. I don't wanr that feeling again.
Breathe easy x
Hi probbo - I see that Lyn has provided you with an excellent explanation for your inquiry about having difficulty breathing, inclusive of a link to a pertinent article. I thought you also might find it helpful to look over this article on chest tightness: https://copd.net/symptoms/chest-tightness/. All the best, Leon (site moderator)
Hi Leon yes and it made very good reading and gace me all relevant information that i need as did yours thank you
Breathe easyGlad to hear it probbo.
Warmly,
Leon (site moderator)
