COPD

[Perfectlystill]

My mum (86) has COPD and has always coped ok til last night when she couldn't breathe properly and so didn't sleep at all.

She said she could breathe in on, but when she breathed out it made this weird sound she couldn't describe the sound very well.

The GP today examined her and said there wasn't much they could do as she was basically well so they sent her home and said call an ambulance if it happens again or if you have chest pain.

I have come to stay with her and am wondering what is going on. She has had a virus over the last week or so, kept testing negative for Covid. She just feels exhausted and frail, has no appetite and no energy.

I am wondering if it's the tail end of a virus or the beginning of the end. Not sure what I'm posting for really, other than to see if any had experience/thoughts.

Does she have a good medication routine that she sticks to?
I'd advise trying the use of a mini handheld fan for breathless episodes like that. Held to the side of the face it can be really helpful in settling breathlessness.
Finding positions that can help improve the mechanics of her breathing could be useful.
I'm a physio in a COPD community team, feel free to message me & I might be able to help 😊

Oh gosh that's so kind of you. I will order her a fan on Amazon now.

And I might message you once I've seen how tonight goes if that's ok. That is such a kind offer. I'm really interested in the positions you mention.

Anything to help her really. She's usually so tough and it's so upsetting to see her like this.

Thank you x

Re meds, she's in various things including a puffer of some sort. Methotrexate and folic acid for something else. Zopiclone at night.

What inhalers/puffers does she have and does she use them as regularly as she should?

I find I sometimes have to remind my mother of hers. She is 88 and also has COPD. She has a blue one which I believe is similar or maybe identical to the one asthmatics use and which she can use any time she needs. She also has one called trimbow which is to be used morning and evening via a spacer tube.

I find she is much better when she has used them, but does sometimes need reminding.

Thank you. She is in bed now as she only slept three hours last night but I will look into her meds tomorrow.

I have ordered a fan from Amazon.

Will also see if I can find out if she has a local COPD team.

Thank you so much.

Ps yes @Topseyt123 I think she has the blue puffer too.

Encouraging hearing about your 88 yr old mum still going! X