Can the position that u lay in make asthma worse

[bertsgirl5]

I have been recently diagnosed with asthma.  I am 38 years old and never had breathing problems.  I thought it was due to my enlarged thyroid but the doctors didn't think so. She sent me to get a pulmonary function test and it determined that I indeed have asthma.  I have shortness of breath when I do just about anything.. my question is can asthma contribute to not being able to lay flat or on my side?  If I do either of these it causes me to cough like I'm trying to catch my breath. The only way I can lay on my side is if I put the arm on top behind me.. does this make any sense to anyone?

[choo_choo]

Hi,

When I'm having problems with my asthma, I also find it hard to lay on my back.  It doesn't cause me to cough, it just makes it harder to breathe.  I haven't noticed any problems with laying on my side.  Actually, when I'm having issues, I tend to lay on my side with my head practically hanging over the edge of the bed (maybe to get more oxygen, I don't know).  Anyway, I'm sure it's different for everyone.

[evewisewoman]

Hello bertsgirl5,

I just finished reading your comments. I was diagnosed with asthma more
than 10 years ago. Out of curiosity, what asthma meds have you been
prescribed by your doctor? As for your questions. I find lying flat on my
back without any support, very uncomfortable. The only way I can lie on
my back is if I have the pillow I sleep with behind me to give me support.
If I prop my head against the pillow, I can lie on my back. Without the pillow,
I would probably end up coughing too. You mentioned the only way you
can lie on your side is buy putting the arm on top behind yourself.
When I go on my side, say when I am doing leg exercises like leg lifts,
I put my right arm parallel to my body and my left arm above my head
and I bend the leg that I'm not lifting.  Generally I sleep on my side in
which case I have to have my pillow behind my head for added support.
I bought a new pillow from Sleep Country back in December. One of the
salespeople at Sleep Country helped me choose a pillow that was the
most helpful to me after I told her I had asthma, neck issues and that I
was a side sleeper. I hope some of my suggestions have been helpful. Eve