Don, a good rescue inhaler is Levalbuterol does not make you edgy/shaky and does not cause tachycardia. Other name of it is Xopenex. Maybe it could be used in an nebulizer. If not it's a very good rescue inhaler.
Everyone with COPD is not affected in the same way by the same thing. That's why it is such a complex syndrome to treat. Each case is different; thus, one size does not fit all. What benefits or harms one does not necessarily benefit or harm another. Thankfully, I did not have to give up my morning coffee, but I surely miss my red wine !!
Thank you for the info, Petra. It never occurred to me it could cause a breathing problem - maybe I don't drink enough to do that. You're right, no dehydration danger here - just have to worry about wearing my feet away running to the bathroom. Flush those kidneys. lol :-)
ChiMin, carbonated beverages contribute to gas and bloating, which contribute to shortness of breath. Not only do soft drinks and other carbonated beverages cause abdominal pressure from bloating for many of us with COPD, they typically contain a lot of sugar and contribute to dehydration. However, with 16 cups of water per day, I doubt that you are at risk for dehydration - LOL
I did not know that, Petra. Although I drink about 16 cups of water per day, I still enjoy my root beer. What does the carbonation do that's bad for COPD? I'm not the most observant person sometimes
carbonated beverages are definitely not recommended for those with COPD. I seriously miss my Schweppes tonic which I used to love. I know I need to drink more water, and I do try, but am just not a thirsty person - LOL
The one thing that I do that I'm pretty serious about is drinking about 1/2 gallon or more of water a day. I have a Britta pitcher that I keep in the fridge. This will go a long way in keeping your mucus thinner and your sinuses clearer. It sounds like a lot of water but when you get used to it I think you'll find it's a good habit. I also might have a cup of coffee, tea, or juice, but I almost never drink soda.
Yes, Dunn. Nasacort is great for occasional use, but would not recommend it for those with chronic sinus issues.
Don, I understand about the investment but as I understand it, the product is totally refundable. Also there is a neat trick for making your own saline solution instead of buying those expensive "pods". Nice lady give her recipe on YouTube . If I had a chronic sinus problem I would definitely try it. HSN was offering a payment plan of 3 payments if you order through them https://www.hsn.com/products/navage-nasal-care-system-with-countertop-caddy/8554114?sz=3&sf=HF0214&ac=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping%20engine&utm_term=&utm_campaign=G_PLA_All_HealthandWellness_Generic_NCA_All&utm_content=AfEOPBay_pcrid_230176353799_pkw__pmt__pdv_c_slid__pid_8554114&gclid=CjwKCAiA6qPRBRAkEiwAGw4SdjPsvFmNjw-K5lPN0CAKW4OI4djBc5rmIGnrZgWwWuZjUNeK7jFt4xoCCWUQAvD_BwE&dclid=CNnnq-2c-dcCFYmnaQodybADmw&akamai-feo=off
Petra: So many things didn't work that I was reluctant to spend $80.00 on something that might not work for me. However, I did get Arm & Hammer Simply Saline and it seems to work at least as well as the sprays.
By the way; this is exactly what my hopes for this forum are; members sharing their experience and knowledge. Perhaps others will open up also.
Don, the Navage system goes high into the sinus passages. If you watched the video, you saw how it clears one passage going in and the other passage coming out. Saline can be used as often as needed as it is a natural body fluid. ANYTHING to clean out the sinuses without a trip to the doc is worth a try. Besides, this is no time of year to be in a germ infested waiting room or clinic area !!!!! Also, there is an online recipe for making your own saline solution, so you don't have to buy any.
Sadly I think I have become addicted to the OTC nasal sprays. - BUMMER!
Will try the saline sprays. As I mentioned, the saline rinses don't get it for me. (squirt bottle type). They just don't get high enough into my sinuses.
Thanks again Petra. I use the saline solution in a squeeze bottle once in a while but I don't think it gets high enough into my sinuses. It may be time to look into something like the one you posted. For now, sinus spray is all that works but I know you shouldn't use it all the time like I do.
Don, since you have sinus issues, have you tried any of the new saline irrigation devices? There are several on the market and range widely in price. Navage being the most expensive one. I cannot comment on their effectiveness, as I do not have sinus issues, but may get one just in case I get a nasty cold and need to clear my nasal passages. Here is an ad for the Navage that has a video demonstration. Sorry the link takes up so much space. The video is on the right side in a very small box but it comes up to full screen.
Petra: Thank you for your input. My sats are usually quite good at 97/98 on 2 lpm so I'm pretty sure that's not it. The only COPD meds I take are Tiova inhaler - 2 puffs, once a day which I take at about 9 am, and Foracort 200; 2 puffs 2 times a day - I take the first about 1 hour after the Tiova, the second after supper. I use to take Albuterol nebulizer but that never seemed to do anything except give me the shakes and speed up my heart rate. My COPD consists of severe emphysema and chronic bronchitis. I have other issues that probably contribute like sinus and heart issues.
Anyway, I'm always looking to see how others treat their COPD. I know we're all different but there's only so much out there. However, when I push myself to exercise more I do do a little better.
I too have read many of the other forums and there is more disagreement, even bickering; than there is agreement.
Don, sorry to hear you are having trouble with SOB. You may need to increase your O2 or make sure you are taking your meds in the correct sequence.
As for people asking questions, I have no solution other than to relate what I have been seeing on other forums. Mainly I see lots of redundant questions and remarks. I see a lot of misunderstood replies that have to be reworded and reposted. It is not the quantity of the comments we have here, it is the quality of the information an the BENEFIT to the patient. Frequently, when patients don't understand something, they will go along wandering in the darkness instead of requesting additional information to gain clarification on an issue. I think a serious issue lies in which meds should be taken in combination with others and the schedule for taking certain meds.
ChiMin: So glad you were finally able to get a portable through Medicare. 19 years without any thing respiratory is quite a good track record; hope you can bounce back.
As for me, either I am experiencing the worlds longest flare-up or I have just reached a new level of low. Been real SOB for what seems forever.
Thanks for commenting, hope to hear more from you - good stuff that is........
As I become more unstable, the more questions will arise. Right now, I have my O2 and meds that work as well as can be expected. I just got my Medicare/DME situation straightened out and a new POC delivered (after a year of effort). Have also just experienced my first respiratory illness since being diagnosed with COPD 19 years ago and am still trying to recapture a bit of energy.
Don, a good rescue inhaler is Levalbuterol does not make you edgy/shaky and does not cause tachycardia. Other name of it is Xopenex. Maybe it could be used in an nebulizer. If not it's a very good rescue inhaler.
Jane
Everyone with COPD is not affected in the same way by the same thing. That's why it is such a complex syndrome to treat. Each case is different; thus, one size does not fit all. What benefits or harms one does not necessarily benefit or harm another. Thankfully, I did not have to give up my morning coffee, but I surely miss my red wine !!
Thank you for the info, Petra. It never occurred to me it could cause a breathing problem - maybe I don't drink enough to do that. You're right, no dehydration danger here - just have to worry about wearing my feet away running to the bathroom. Flush those kidneys. lol :-)
ChiMin, carbonated beverages contribute to gas and bloating, which contribute to shortness of breath. Not only do soft drinks and other carbonated beverages cause abdominal pressure from bloating for many of us with COPD, they typically contain a lot of sugar and contribute to dehydration. However, with 16 cups of water per day, I doubt that you are at risk for dehydration - LOL
I did not know that, Petra. Although I drink about 16 cups of water per day, I still enjoy my root beer. What does the carbonation do that's bad for COPD? I'm not the most observant person sometimes
carbonated beverages are definitely not recommended for those with COPD. I seriously miss my Schweppes tonic which I used to love. I know I need to drink more water, and I do try, but am just not a thirsty person - LOL
The one thing that I do that I'm pretty serious about is drinking about 1/2 gallon or more of water a day. I have a Britta pitcher that I keep in the fridge. This will go a long way in keeping your mucus thinner and your sinuses clearer. It sounds like a lot of water but when you get used to it I think you'll find it's a good habit. I also might have a cup of coffee, tea, or juice, but I almost never drink soda.
Yes, Dunn. Nasacort is great for occasional use, but would not recommend it for those with chronic sinus issues.
Don, I understand about the investment but as I understand it, the product is totally refundable. Also there is a neat trick for making your own saline solution instead of buying those expensive "pods". Nice lady give her recipe on YouTube . If I had a chronic sinus problem I would definitely try it. HSN was offering a payment plan of 3 payments if you order through them https://www.hsn.com/products/navage-nasal-care-system-with-countertop-caddy/8554114?sz=3&sf=HF0214&ac=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping%20engine&utm_term=&utm_campaign=G_PLA_All_HealthandWellness_Generic_NCA_All&utm_content=AfEOPBay_pcrid_230176353799_pkw__pmt__pdv_c_slid__pid_8554114&gclid=CjwKCAiA6qPRBRAkEiwAGw4SdjPsvFmNjw-K5lPN0CAKW4OI4djBc5rmIGnrZgWwWuZjUNeK7jFt4xoCCWUQAvD_BwE&dclid=CNnnq-2c-dcCFYmnaQodybADmw&akamai-feo=off
Petra: So many things didn't work that I was reluctant to spend $80.00 on something that might not work for me. However, I did get Arm & Hammer Simply Saline and it seems to work at least as well as the sprays.
By the way; this is exactly what my hopes for this forum are; members sharing their experience and knowledge. Perhaps others will open up also.
Don, the Navage system goes high into the sinus passages. If you watched the video, you saw how it clears one passage going in and the other passage coming out. Saline can be used as often as needed as it is a natural body fluid. ANYTHING to clean out the sinuses without a trip to the doc is worth a try. Besides, this is no time of year to be in a germ infested waiting room or clinic area !!!!! Also, there is an online recipe for making your own saline solution, so you don't have to buy any.
Sadly I think I have become addicted to the OTC nasal sprays. - BUMMER!
Will try the saline sprays. As I mentioned, the saline rinses don't get it for me. (squirt bottle type). They just don't get high enough into my sinuses.
It is safe to use a saline spray as often as necessary. It's nose drops that can become habit forming and create more problems.
Thanks again Petra. I use the saline solution in a squeeze bottle once in a while but I don't think it gets high enough into my sinuses. It may be time to look into something like the one you posted. For now, sinus spray is all that works but I know you shouldn't use it all the time like I do.
Don, since you have sinus issues, have you tried any of the new saline irrigation devices? There are several on the market and range widely in price. Navage being the most expensive one. I cannot comment on their effectiveness, as I do not have sinus issues, but may get one just in case I get a nasty cold and need to clear my nasal passages. Here is an ad for the Navage that has a video demonstration. Sorry the link takes up so much space. The video is on the right side in a very small box but it comes up to full screen.
https://www.hsn.com/products/navage-nasal-care-system-with-countertop-caddy/8554114?sz=3&sf=HF0214&ac=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping%20engine&utm_term=&utm_campaign=G_PLA_All_HealthandWellness_Generic_NCA_All&utm_content=AfEOPBay_pcrid_230176353799_pkw__pmt__pdv_c_slid__pid_8554114&gclid=CjwKCAiApJnRBRBlEiwAPTgmxKKSCPLrgE9t0JkY2vWg9IuSb3W6CI2SrjI8oUIz8jPWjAiuHZp46xoC1EwQAvD_BwE&dclid=CMnR7srE9NcCFVOvTwodM2oKBg&akamai-feo=off
Petra: Thank you for your input. My sats are usually quite good at 97/98 on 2 lpm so I'm pretty sure that's not it. The only COPD meds I take are Tiova inhaler - 2 puffs, once a day which I take at about 9 am, and Foracort 200; 2 puffs 2 times a day - I take the first about 1 hour after the Tiova, the second after supper. I use to take Albuterol nebulizer but that never seemed to do anything except give me the shakes and speed up my heart rate. My COPD consists of severe emphysema and chronic bronchitis. I have other issues that probably contribute like sinus and heart issues.
Anyway, I'm always looking to see how others treat their COPD. I know we're all different but there's only so much out there. However, when I push myself to exercise more I do do a little better.
I too have read many of the other forums and there is more disagreement, even bickering; than there is agreement.
Don, sorry to hear you are having trouble with SOB. You may need to increase your O2 or make sure you are taking your meds in the correct sequence.
As for people asking questions, I have no solution other than to relate what I have been seeing on other forums. Mainly I see lots of redundant questions and remarks. I see a lot of misunderstood replies that have to be reworded and reposted. It is not the quantity of the comments we have here, it is the quality of the information an the BENEFIT to the patient. Frequently, when patients don't understand something, they will go along wandering in the darkness instead of requesting additional information to gain clarification on an issue. I think a serious issue lies in which meds should be taken in combination with others and the schedule for taking certain meds.
You'll see them all posted on the COPD forum.
So what are your questions, Don?
ChiMin: So glad you were finally able to get a portable through Medicare. 19 years without any thing respiratory is quite a good track record; hope you can bounce back.
As for me, either I am experiencing the worlds longest flare-up or I have just reached a new level of low. Been real SOB for what seems forever.
Thanks for commenting, hope to hear more from you - good stuff that is........
As I become more unstable, the more questions will arise. Right now, I have my O2 and meds that work as well as can be expected. I just got my Medicare/DME situation straightened out and a new POC delivered (after a year of effort). Have also just experienced my first respiratory illness since being diagnosed with COPD 19 years ago and am still trying to recapture a bit of energy.