Bed time-hard to breath - Asthma Message Board

janedoe321 · 01-15-2001, 10:28 AM

Hi there. I have been to doctors almost every other yr. regarding breathing problems. They always say it's asthma. I finally accepted this, I think.....what I am doing now is, when I lay down to sleep, it feels like someone is sitting on my chest-when I do inhale, it's as if my chest/lungs will not expand. This seems to start at night but worsens when I go to bed. I too have been given different inhalers, but like "LouAnn" said, they all give me the shakes-I've tried: proventil, ventolin, azmacort, etc. What I am wondering, does this sound like asthma(to all u familiar with it) and advice on medications. Thank you.

Lou Ann · 01-15-2001, 04:51 PM

I have a friend who was having a problem with breathing just as you're describing. She saw a pulmonary specialist who ordered a CPAP machine for her to wear at nite. If you're not familiar with this it is a positive pressure machine that puts air into your lungs. It is used alot for people who suffer from sleep apnea, cessation of breathing, but may also be helpful in your case. I would talk to the dr. and ask about it.
Lou Ann

S#1 · 01-31-2001, 12:45 PM

YOU MAY WANT TO TRY TO SLEEP WITH YOUR HEAD ELEVATED MORE CLOSER TO A SITTING POSITION

JustTellMe · 02-02-2001, 04:04 AM

The main problem I find with asthma is--I have trouble breathing OUT. That's what brings on the deep, roaring cough at times--the attempt of my lungs to get rid of the carbon monoxide so they can suck in AIR.

But, when I do have an asthma attack, my chest will feel very tight. I use Albuterol for those, which do make me shake for several minutes, but that goes away.

I also have a nebulizer I use 3 times a day, which does not make me shake at ALL. It's called Azmacort (triamcinolone acetonide), and it is a steroid nebulizer. NO shaking or trembling...

I would definitely tell the doctor about your breathing problems--you may need a different dosage of your meds, or some different ones. And, of course, when we have a pre-existing illness, we tend to think that any new symptoms are attributed to that. There could be something else going on that would benefit from treatment. When ou have a potentially life-threatening illness like asthma, it's always better to be safe than sorry, and to report any problems to your doctor...

janedoe321 · 02-02-2001, 06:57 AM

Hi.. Thanks for all responses....Just wanted to say to "justtellme"(above), that I did go to see a Doctor & she gave me exactly what you are taking!---azmacort-3Xper day, and Albuterol-for when I need it....hopefully this will work..I will go back in a month to see if the Asmacort is working-if not, then she will put me on one of those new pills. Actually, I would rather do that as I am not fond of this inhaling(2 puffs, 3X EVERY day)(then having to rinse my mouth so I don't get thrush).....Thanks again for those who responded - hope everything works out for all. "Janedoe"