Why do my symptoms seem so bad at night?
Coughing wheezing gulping for air not to mention the rib pain! I'm at 61 percent lung function my doctor just moved to another state and so far my PCP offers no explanation or empathy for my symptoms....have a blessed and breathful day. Thank you.
Hi Kimmer and thanks for the excellent question.
Sadly, I do not have a definitive answer - although I have a few theories!
It is possible medication dosing (sometimes four times a day, puts medication at low levels in the middle of the night.
Sometimes - it's those nighttime 'demons' that some of us have. In the quiet and solitude of the night, some of us get more anxious and worrisome. That can have an adverse effect on symptoms.
I'm curious as to what others may come up with for an explanation, too.
You never mentioned which symptoms seem to worsen at night. Are you able to share that with the community?
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator)
Hi Kimmer, I find nights can be bad too. My personal feeling is that after the normal progression of the day my fatigue intensifies. That oxygen starvation feeling can become very anxiety ridden for me. The dreaded wheezing adds to the general discomfort. Things I do: definitely either an ordered or PRN treatment before bed, including pain, anxiety, or sleep aid, stick to bedtime routine to eliminate as much need as possible to have to leave my bed, avoid stimulants like caffeine after 5, limit “screen time” past 9 or 10 (that is a tough one for me!) and try to position myself for comfort (lying on the side where you are having the least noisy breathing while positioning for body comfort). Definitely should find a doctor who is more willing to hear you. If they are not listening they are NOT helping you! Positive energy coming your way!
Sorry you got hit with the flu! With that diagnosis it is good you are being seen by someone who specializes in respiratory issues. If you feel an exacerbation is threatening to rear up then care and precaution is vital until you are feeling more yourself. Do you have a plan in case your condition declines? Is someone checking on you? Are you well enough to fix meals etc? When I feel threatened by an exacerbation those closest to me know signs that need attention immediately and I think often times if is their help that heads off more serious situations. The smoking stigma (ugh)...I understand the special brand of self loathing that comes with being a “smoker” Some believe we bought and paid for our condition, it is sad when it is a health care professional that is adding to the amount of judgement we inflict upon ourselves as it relates to our illness...you are not alone. Do believe that not all care providers are this callous, and while limited access to PCP can be problematic don’t give up on finding the right one...the one who updates your chart to “former smoker” (as mine has done just a little over a month post acute exacerbation), encourages ongoing healthy behaviors, and helps you live the best life you can! Congratulations on quitting and more positive energy your way that you are feeling better soon!
Thank you for always answering my texts it feels really good to know if somebody else going through the same things. Sometimes I feel very alone especially at night when everyone else is sleeping and I can't lay down because my lungs fill up. Also my family is uneducated about my disease and a belief because I'm not wheezing or crying in pain that I'm healed!
I know it's very important for me to stay active so that my lungs work better but they seem to believe that this isn't affecting my whole life. The pain in my ribs is crippling! But I do praise my God because I am alive! Do have a breathful day and God bless you
The coughing and wheezing and rib pain...the heartburn and chest pain
I pray alot walk when I get to stressed.... more times than not I am alone in one room while they smoke in the next room.....it really has an effect on the breathing sometimes...but I am blessed ....I am smoke free
and have hope again, and because of you, COPD.NET, I AM NO LONGER ALONE MYHi again, kimmer1958 and thanks for your response and explanation as to how you are managing with the four smokers in your home. Thanks, too, for the kind words about our community and the hope it provides to you. We're glad to have you here! Leon (site moderator)
