HELP.
I have been diagnosed with Emphysema COPD & COAD. I take Trelegy as my primary preventer however Ventolin & Atrovent have little or no effect as relievers. I had always considered oxygen as my final fall back position to now find supplemental O2 removes my hypoxic (low level of oxygen) respiratory drive causing hypoventilation which causes higher carbon dioxide levels, apnea (pauses in breathing), and ultimately respiratory failure.
Treatment with supplemental oxygen elevates the carbon dioxide content in my blood (hypercapnia) to levels that may become toxic. In my case with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease the clinical features of oxygen toxicity are due to high carbon dioxide content in the blood (hypercapnia). This leads to drowsiness (narcosis), deranged acid-base balance due to respiratory acidosis, and death.
This situation appears to make conventional COPD Action plans ineffective.
Is there anyone who can perhaps point me towards an effective Action Plan to suit my situation.
Hi again,
- it's good to see you re-engaging with the community! I do recall we had several conversations with you back in November 2022, about COPD and oxygen. For ease of reference, here is a link to those conversations: https://copd.net/infographic/impact-survey-results#comment-472384.
I reviewed your comment (above), and understand what you mean. There are (as you know), COPD diagnoses that speak to blood levels of both oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), and maintaining normal levels for the specific level of disease. The aspect of disease and blood levels that you describe is often referred to as COPD with 'hypoxic drive'.
Although not every professional is aware of this type of COPD, there are many, many who are and will know how to treat it and, how to guide you. It is not uncommon at all!
Generally speaking, an approach to treatment may include closely monitoring one's blood O2 levels, blood CO2 levels, one's rate and depth of breathing, as well as supplemental oxygen percentages (FiO2).
I would suggest you seek out a physician who is well-versed in this type of COPD. The doctor will be able to guide you accordingly.
What do you think?
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)Thank you Leon for your prompt & comprehensive response. Amongst other gems in your response that I have found on first reading is COPD with “
Hi again, Kevin - thanks for starting to respond. It looks like some of what you had planned to share here was (somehow) cut off inadvertently. I do hope you wind up seeing that and are able to finish your thoughts.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
G’day again Leon,
Not sure what happened there, I shall try again.
Thank you introducing me to the term “COPD with hypoxic drive” it is good to be able to finally put a label on it. Supplemental oxygen percentages (FiO2) is an aspect I don’t believe we have canvassed. Next visit with my GP we will address that, also I picked up on the forum that Vitamin D should also be addressed so we shall look at that as well.With respect to my COPD Action Plan it is becoming clear that it will simply involve me forcing myself to relax, adopting a recovery position, breathing deeply emphasising breathing out.
On a positive note I am currently being assessed for the Zephyr Valve procedure & hold out great hope for a positive result from that. I shall let you know down the track what happens there.
Thank you again for your support.
1 reactions
replyG'morning, Kevin - thanks so much for resubmitting your (completed) post.
It sounds like you are moving in the right direction. I will be interested to hear what the physician has to say regarding COPD and hypoxic drive. As mentioned, this is not an uncommon aspect of a COPD diagnosis for those who have this particular type of chronic lung disease. One of the ways to manage it is by monitoring one's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, one's breathing pattern (rate and depth), and even one's mentation. By monitoring these aspects closely, the proper flow rate and/or supplemental oxygen concentration percentage (FiO2), can be determined and, also monitored/adjusted, as necessary.
How exciting is that - being evaluated for the endobronchial valve procedure - good luck, Keven!
Looking forward to continuing our discussions as you see fit.
Enjoy the weekend!
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
Leon, Thanks Mate, I will keep in touch.
It's my pleasure, Kevin! I will look forward to hearing from you again.
Warmly,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
