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[Dee52]

I'm confused...when I lay down I'm not wheezing as soon as I sit up I can't breathe and my wheezing is so bad.  Is this common with COPD?
I would appreicate any information.
Thank you,
Dee52

[Dee52]

Sunes,
Thank you for the information!   I will see if there is a TCM doctor in my area.
Take care,
Dee

[Sunes]

I was told by my TCM(Traditional Chinese Medicine)  doctor that if you have weezing on the inhale it's your kidneys-they are overworked  and if on exhale it's your pulmonary.
Last time I had weezing on the inhale same day I did kidney function test and next day my doctor called me tp let me know  that my kidneys are little stressed (not failing or are sick) due to my VitC intake.
So my TLC doctor was right.
I don't know if you do go to TCM, but they have ancient knowledge about whole body and spirit.
Hugs,Sunes.

[National Jewish Health]

What you describe is not common with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  However, it may be that you are able to take deeper and/or faster breaths, when seated or standing, and this then makes the wheezing more audible.  Another possibility is that mucus in your bronchial tubes shifts when you sit up, in a way that changes the flow of air and causes a wheeze.  And, if the wheezing is only on one side, from one lung, that could mean that a bronchial tube is blocked on that side.

There is a relatively rare condition called platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome in which breathing is easier and blood oxygen levels higher when lying down.  This can be associated with a heart condition called patent foramen ovale, in which there is an opening between the right and left upper chambers of the heart allowing deoxygenated blood to bypass the lungs before being circulated throughout the body.  You may want to show this response to your doctors and ask them if this could be your problem.  It is a bit complicated but they will understand.  In this situation increased breathing while seated or standing, because of low oxygen levels could result in the wheezing you describe.