Gross n scarey..... - Asthma Message Board

OneWayOut · 09-06-2004, 10:06 AM

I know this is really gross but i have to ask someone~
ive been suffereing from asthma since i was little.... but ONLY this recent year is when i started experiencing this. My entire life, the "asthma attacks" i have are painful spasms in my chest when i take a breath in.....but now,
When i lay down for more than an hour and then get back up, i realize that i cant breathe in more than about 20% of my lungs capacity because it feels like theres stuff in my lungs taking up the space, like water. If i ignore it, it just gets worse and worse until i cant breathe so ill use Serevant. About 5 minutes after i use the inhaler i cough up consistant gunk. Its competely clear and stringy and for hours, I wont cought up ANYTHING but these clear strings. the more i cough up , the more i can breathe, and when i cough up all the strings, things are back to normal. Now remember how i said "If i ignore it, it just gets worse and worse until i cant breathe"?? well thats completely true...which is a huge problem. Since this happens when i lay down, its mostly when i sleep. The longer i sleep, the worse it gets. If i dont wake up to help it then im afraid ill end up not breathing. 4 Nights ago i didnt wake up to use my inhaler and what woke me up was me gasping for air. It was really scary and i have the thought "what if i never woke up" in my head.
Ive never heard a story lke this..anyone have any info or comments or experience it themselves? Its gross and scaring me~!

quincy · 09-06-2004, 02:30 PM

Hi,

Go to the doctor, get him to send you to a respirologist. You might have a chest infection that's intreated. As well, you should probably be on a preventative such as pulmicort or flovent..etc.

Go to the doctor!

Keep us posted as to the outcome.
quincy

OneWayOut · 09-07-2004, 08:58 AM

i was waiting for a "i have that too..." response to make me feel better but i dont want to ignore a problem. Preventative sounds good in the first place~
thanks!

99problems · 09-21-2004, 01:50 AM

Does it happen only when you are lying down?
PND (Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea) is a sudden onset of difficult breathing while asleep and recumbent. This is usually a sign of chronic bronchitis, but then again you have asthma. However, with asthma the problem is not getting air "into the lungs", but rather getting air "out of the lungs", hence the purse lipped breathing etc. Usually secretions dont start flowing until the attack has stopped, then it comes from everywhere (nose, etc).
I would try sleeping with a couple of pillows behind my head to prop up my upper body somewhat if I were you, and make an appointment to see you family doc or pulmonologist. They can view the sputum and check your breath sounds etc. and try to alleviate some of your problem.
God luck

bluebanana · 09-26-2004, 04:33 AM

Hi
Serevent shouldn't be used as a reliever medication. You should be using your salbuatmol or bricanyl inhaler in situations like this. Go and see your doctor or sathma nurse to review the meds you are taking.
Blue
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