Trouble Sleeping

By Julie Barnson

1 min read

I don't know what is happening to me.

Excess mucus

The last week I got all ready for bed but can't sleep. When I lay down to go to bed, I'm finding it hard to catch my breath it's like I'm choking on the mucus in my throat. I can't seem to get my breath unless I sit up and try to cough it up. It is scary and I'm I starting to get worse.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi CommunityMember9cff15 (Julie), and thanks for sharing this with the community. We have had any number of good conversations here with you and this, seems to be a new development. At least it does seem to be the first time you have brought this up here with the community. You may be aware the symptoms you've described (difficulty breathing while lying down, mucus accumulation and coughing (at night)), can be associated with this disease (COPD). Since you shared it all seems to be getting worse and has persisted since last week, you may want to bring this to the attention of your physician. Sometimes symptoms do change for COPD patients. Perhaps your physician will be able to guide you through these new episodes. What do you think? Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
1. CommunityMember7d3f64 Member
 <inline-mention username="Leon Lebowitz, RRT" user-id="2445532"/> If the person can prop their upper body up somewhat the problem may go away with no medication. I use a recliner and have no problem. Adios, THOMAS
gunner Member
Usually this is caused by your postnasal drip. I suffered from this for a long time until one day I tried a over the counter flonase and it worked miracles. Postnasal drip went away, stopped having to cough while trying to go to sleep and I didnt have to take it for long. Once I stopped having the problem, I stopped using flonase and only use it if I start noticing it acting up again. I can't say this will help you but it helped me and you have nothing to lose by trying it. Good luck.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="gunner" user-id="6912493"/> Hi gunner, and thanks for weighing in and sharing your perspective on the use of this medication, Flonase. This is a good time to remind folks that it is always a good idea to check with one's own physician before using any kind of medication, be it prescription or over-the-counter (OTC). I am glad to hear that this medication worked so well, in your case, gunner. Keep up the good work! Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
2. cynthiajk Member
 <inline-mention username="gunner" user-id="6912493"/> If your doctor prescribes it you will find it is more reasonable than over the counter. Also, very effective! Good luck.
sue1941 Member
Hi, Walkfarwomen . . . I also use Flonase. My doctor prescribes it for me; he said I'd get it cheaper that way. Maybe your doctor would do the same for you. I hope you're soon going off to pleasant dreams easily. 
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="sue1941" user-id="2468947"/> Hi sue, and thanks for sharing the success you're having using the medication, Flonase. This is still a good time to remind folks that it is always a good idea to check with one's own physician before using any kind of medication, be it prescription or over-the-counter (OTC). You may notice that community member, <inline-mention username="gunner" user-id="6912493"/>, made a similar suggestion in this thread. I myself use the medication Flonase, when necessary - my own physician guided me in that direction. Enjoy the weekend! Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
2. rmgw61 Member
 <inline-mention username="sue1941" user-id="2468947"/> I buy the Flonase Costco brand. It works just as well and is cheaper than a prescription. It works for me but I don't know about your situation.