Author Archives: Jackie Aim

Breathlessness

Lady holding chest

Breathlessness

When you have been diagnosed with COPD, breathlessness is one of the main symptoms you will notice. You will experience breathlessness at different times of the day and sometimes it will vary in severity from day to day.

Breathlessness varies with each person. It is important to know what is your usual or  your “normal” amount of breathlessness. This helps you recognise an increased level of breathlessness enabling you to take early action. For example  if there are stairs in your house, do you normally have to rest on the landing before continuing? Is this getting worse? Are you getting more breathless than usual when walking up a slope?

Breathlessness can be caused by an exacerbation or flare up of your COPD or chest infection, increased exercise, something in your environment such as very cold weather or emotional stress.

In this section we will show you some of the ways respiratory specialists measure what they mean by breathlessness.

We will also show you some practical tips to control or manage your breathlessness and advice for times when your breathlessness is getting worse.

What makes you breathless?

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Try to identify things that can make you feel worse:

  • Hot weather
    If weather is warm you may feel good but if it is hot and humid pollution levels can also rise making you feel unwell. During hot weather your body is trying to cool down and this uses energy so you may feel more tired. Try to stay indoors and if you can limit your activity on those days. If you have to go out try to avoid the hottest part of the day between 11.00 am  and 3.00 pm. Take cool drinks regularly, use a fan and a cool damp cloth on your forehead or at the back of your neck can help.
  • Cold weather
    If weather is cold and damp your breathlessness and phlegm may get worse. Winter weather also brings more colds and infections. If family and friends have a cold ask them not to visit you until they are well. Good hand washing will also help to stop spreading infections. Remember to have you flu vaccination every year. You may need to take extra puffs of your inhalers half an hour before you go out and  try loosely wrapping a scarf around you mouth and nose to warm the air as you breathe in. Try breathing in through your nose if you can. if you are not sure what to do, check with your GP or practice nurse.
  • Windy weather can take your breath and gusts of wind are worse. Windy days can also stir up dust and pollen on dry days. Your doctor may suggest you use antihistamines.
  • Smoke from cigarettes, open fires or wood burning stoves can all make you feel breathless. If you do smoke yourself think about stopping Ask other people not to smoke in your home. If there are bonfires in your neighbours gardens, keep your doors and windows closed until the fire is put out.
  • Stress and worry can quickly get out of control. The more worried and anxious you are the more your posture, breathing and activity will suffer. There are lots of different things to try.

For more information please see:

If you live in Scotland and would like to get free text alerts on your mobile phone text WEATHER to 66777 for air quality and weather alerts.

If you have any questions about COPD you can also contact the Chest Heart & Stroke Advice Line on 0800 801 0899 or text NURSE to 66777 followed by your question. For Facebook and Twitter users see the link on our Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland web page.

Dietician advice

Remember, If you are struggling with your diet you may wish to contact your GP practice to discuss if a referral to a dietician would be beneficial for nutritional supplements or for more detailed dietary advice.

If you are struggling to eat enough you may also be given nutritional supplement drinks to try. These ready made products provide you with energy, protein, vitamins and minerals. They are designed to boost your intake in between meals, they are not designed to be a meal replacement. 

There are a range of products available in different forms and  flavours. A health care professional preferably a Dietitian can assess you for this and how much was required per day.

Seasoning Suggestions

Many people have too much salt in their diet. Salt can raise blood pressure and this increases the risk for stroke and heart disease. The recommended daily amount for adults is 6 grammes or less (the equivalent of 1 teaspoon a day). Salt can easily be hidden in processed foods, bread, breakfast cereal and ready meals. Check food labels when you are shopping. The small print on packaging can be difficult to read.

For more information please read the Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland factsheet: Salt [.pdf].

Alternative flavourings to salt;

  • Pepper, mustard, onions, garlic, vinegar, lemon juice.
  • Herbs (e.g. mint, parsley, basil, bay leaves).
  • Spices (e.g. curry powder, chilli, nutmeg, paprika and ginger).

Consider:

Fish Beef Lamb Pork Chicken
Fish

  • Bay leaf
  • dill
  • lemon
  • tarragon
 Highland cow

  • Mustard powder
  • tomatoes
 Lamb

  • Rosemary
  • oregano
  • basil
  • mint
  • cumin
  • chilli
 Pig

  • Apple
  • sage
  • thyme
  • coriander
  • lime
  • orange
 Chicken

  • Lemon
  • marjoram
  • tarragon
  • garlic
  • ginger
Potatoes Rice Tomatoes Peas Pasta
Potatoes

  • Paprika
  • nutmeg
  • parsley
  • pepper
 Bowl of rice

  • Coriander
  • saffron
  • onion
 Tomatoes

  • Basil
  • marjoram
  • oregano
 Peas in a pod

  • Mint
  • parsley
 pasta

  • Garlic
  • basil
  • pepper
  • tomato

For more information on daily salt, sugar and fat levels:

Practical tips to try if you have noticed a changed sense of taste

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If you are struggling with taste changes the following may help:

  • If you are using a steroid inhaler always rinse your mouth and gargle with water after use, this helps to prevent oral thrush.
  • Regularly clean teeth/ dentures, use mouth wash and try and floss if possible.
  • Focus on foods you enjoy and don’t be afraid to try new foods.
  • Try sharp or spicy foods that have stronger flavour.
  • Experiment with seasonings’ (suggestions on next page).
  • If you have gone off a particular food, re-try it again after a couple of weeks as your taste may have changed again.
  • If your taste has changed and does not return or if you are experiencing unpleasant tastes tell your doctor. Ask for this to be investigated.

Practical tips to try if you have a dry mouth

You may find you have a dry mouth from time to time. Using oxygen, nebulisers and inhalers can sometimes cause this. It can make it difficult to chew and swallow foods. Some medicines can also give you a dry mouth. Check with your GP if this is a problem for you.

If you are struggling with a dry mouth the following may help:

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  • Choose softer/ moist foods.
  • Suck fruit sweets, ice cubes made with fruit juice/ squash and chew sugar free gum.
  • Carry a bottle of water with you and take regular sips.
  • Your doctor can prescribe pastilles or saliva sprays if this is an on-going or persistent problem.

 

Practical tips to help reduce tiredness when eating

If you are struggling with tiredness you may want to consider the following:

  1. Choose foods that are easy to prepare, save your energy for eating.
  2. Ask your family to help with meal preparations if possible.
  3. Use a microwave, it can speed cooking time so that you can eat closer to the time you feel hungry and it is easier and quicker to reheat foods.
  4. Check to see if you are eligible to participate in a local ready meals delivery program or order easy to make food on line for your freezer.

Practical tips to try – when you are breathless at mealtimes

If you are suffering from shortness of breath at mealtimes you may wish to try the following:

  • Clear your airways one hour before eating.
  • Eat while sitting up to ease the pressure on your lungs and help them expand more easily.
  • Eat more slowly.
  • Take small bites and chew your food slowly.
  • Breathing deeply while chewing.
  • Try putting your cutlery down between bites.
  • Choose foods that are easy to eat.
  • Try eating five or six small but healthy meals a day or three smaller meals. Take care you are not putting on weight.
  • Try drinking liquids at end of meal.

Fortified Milk Recipe

Fortified milk recipe

Fortified milk recipe

 

This recipe for fortified milk is a simple way to help to boost your protein and calories if you are underweight and trying to gain or maintain your weight.

Fortified milk:

  • add 2-4 tablespoons of dried milk powder to one pint of milk and drink /use as normal throughout day.