How can I get rid of breathing trouble? - #10450
I am a COPD Patient since 2018. By walking a few yards and ascending a few steps in staircase I feel short of breath. Even by doing some work leaning down, I feel the breathing trouble. I need to sit then and there immediately. Otherwise I have no other disease. I am under treatment of an Alopathy Dictor who prescribed Inhaler. But for last two years the inhaler alsodoes not work as before. My pulmonary rate is 45. My age is now 70.
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Doctors’ responses
Pulmonary Rehab & Monitoring: Enroll in Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program: Supervised breathing exercises, chest physiotherapy, and resistance training
Perform home spirometry or 6-minute walk test regularly if feasible
Pulse oximeter at home: maintain SpO₂ ≥ 92% at rest and mild exertion
Vaccinations: Influenza vaccine yearly Pneumococcal vaccine (PPSV23 + PCV13) COVID-19 booster if not yet taken
Given what you’ve described—increasing breathlessness even with mild activity, diminished inhaler effectiveness, and a pulmonary function rate of 45%—you’re likely in moderate to severe stage COPD (GOLD Stage 3 or 4).
LABA + ICS (combination) Formoterol + Budesonide (e.g., Symbicort, Foracort
Nebulizer duolin at night
Pulmonary Rehabilitation This is extremely helpful in improving your breathing capacity, strength, and endurance. Breathing exercises (pursed-lip breathing) Chest physiotherapy like spirometry Mild walking with rest intervals Nutritional support and oxygen training if needed
You may have associated diseases so kindly get these test done repeat Chest X-ray / CT Chest blood tests CBC, ECG oxygen saturation (SpO2) Pulmonary function test
Avoid over using duolin as it can generate tolerance
At age 70 with COPD and a pulmonary rate of 45%, worsening breathlessness despite inhalers suggests disease progression or inhaler resistance. Pulmonary rehabilitation, breathing exercises, and possibly adding nebulizers or long-acting bronchodilators may help improve your daily function. Consult a pulmonologist to reassess your treatment plan and explore advanced options like oxygen therapy or non-invasive ventilation support.
(You may no longer be responding to monotherapy or short-acting agents)
1. Switch to Dual Bronchodilator Inhaler (LAMA + LABA):
Tiotropium 18 mcg (Spiriva) capsule with Handihaler – 1 capsule inhaled once daily OR
Tiotropium + Olodaterol (e.g., Stiolto Respimat) 2 puffs once daily
2. Add Inhaled Corticosteroid if Frequent Exacerbations:
ICS + LABA combo: Budesonide + Formoterol (Foracort 200/400) 2 puffs twice daily via spacer
Use spacer for better delivery in elderly patients.
Supportive Medications: Tablet Deriphyllin Retard 150/300 mg 1 tab twice daily after food
Tablet Montelukast + Levocetirizine 1 tab at night if post-nasal drip or allergic symptoms present
Mucolytics: Tablet Ambroxol + Guaifenesin 1 tab twice daily to loosen phlegm
Hello sir Please be aware See you may be on medications In addition please do some respiratory exercise for increasing respiratory capacity There may be chances of addition of nasal decongestant or respiratory stimulation Better consult pulmonary surgeon for better clarification Regards
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