I'm not sure how severe your symptoms are, but I'll explain how excess mucous factors into my case. The symptoms may include fever, chills, congestion, coughing, runny nose, itchy eyes, headache, and difficulty . But it's of course fully normal for mucus to accumulate in the throat for healthy individuals. And i can hear my esophagus and stomach grumble and churn everytime i swallow and its getting worse. This may manifest as chest pressure or heaviness in the chest, a rattling sound or feeling when breathing, and globby mucus coming up when you're coughing. When you're sick, your body doesn't always produce more mucus, although it may feel like it. Did they take a spectrum sample for analysis? First the mucus - Probiotics are designed to replace the good bacteria. Broken glass to inflammation and excessive mucus production air feel trapped under left rib cage deep. LOTS of it. What Causes Frequent Bowel Movements And What To Do About Them? Other symptoms you may experience include: Both anxiety and panic attacks can cause you to wake up gasping for air. Acute bronchitis is an infection of Dear Members,This morning we launched our COVID-19 vaccine dashboard, and I invite you to explore it here: http://www.inspire.com/covid19vaxAll of us at Inspire are encouraged and deeply thankful that over 26,000 of you have participated in our survey so far. Mucus is an ideal breeding ground for all the things we don't want to move in and get comfortable in our lungs. I had to have them stop 4 times to let me swallow. It can feel like I'm breathing through a . Hot showers are usually a great way to clear some of it out. COPD and anxiety. That can occur with throat mucus you why do i feel like i'm drowning in mucus & # x27 ; Drowning! The first occurs when someone is under water for too long and the body begins to experience reflexes of panic, agitation and air hunger. This can block your airway, which triggers the coughing and gasping reflex. I tend not to get pain directly from swallowing, but the pain is always lying there and building up until I swallow or cough or yawn, really anything that involves fast movement of air through my throat. 16.05.2022 greenbich Feel Like If you wake up with mucus in your throat each day and get the feeling that it has to be released, there are a few potential reasons why that can be happening. WebAbout | . I will never touch another cigarette! Airway, which triggers the coughing less likely for air is a result infection. Alternatively, it might prompt unexplained feelings of irritability, as well as somatic symptoms, such as sweating, headaches, upset stomach, dizziness, shortness of breath, and insomnia. Keep an eye on that fever and call your doctor if it hits 104. Thinning mucus, when it's deep and thick in our lungs takes attention to detail and that detail is water. If it is that, ask about saline solution to be nebulized, percussion treatment using a vest, postural drainage and any other tips they can give you. Sleep with your head elevated to promote proper drainage, and prevent the mucus from blocking the airway. The condition can also be accompanied by shortness of breath, wheezing, sudden anxiety, chest pain, and a cough that produces a frothy . Michael Pollick Date: April 30, 2022 A cross section of the head, including the sinuses.. One of the main causes of sinus drainage is simply being alive. The chairman of the department of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, said his son "woke up and felt awful". Hope this helps some. Waking up gasping for air can be jarring. Your doctor may prescribe medications like ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics, and inotropes. Thank you all for the tips, there's some good stuff in here. Level right irritant and can an hour or two after they get up the. Exercise such as strength training or hiking will help soften the blow of stress and anxiety. The cause is a result of excessive mucus production which may arise with a range of inflammatory conditions. This will be very helpful for you if you have asthma or something else. Ive been taking mucinex & using vics :) I have family close by who is checking on me. Add honey until the sourness is just barely gone. Try a cool mist humidifier or hop into a steamy shower to keep your airways moisturized. Well, not only do I feel just plain icky and sluggish on all that fat and chemicals, but my throat has gotten sore and I've gotten a little bit of a mucus reaction again. Did they discharge you with antibiotics? over a year ago, Michael86 I recommend a Neilmed Sinus Rinse - similar, but I find it more effective. In some cases, a person may need to take proactive measures to help clear saliva and other secretions in the throat. I am curious to know from patients, especially, I was diagnosed in December after being sick with a cough. I am not coughing UP buckets of mucus, I am coughing because buckets of mucus is coming from y sinuses down my throat into my chest.constantly At night, however, this mucus may pool or back up. One by the front door, held up for visitors (IF there are any), without comment. It feels like I'm choking or drowning in mucus. Some conditions may be due to an infection while other can be associated with physical and chemical trauma. Use a humidifier. I wish you well in recovering from this awful feeling. Any ideas- drowning feeling, lots of phlegm, cough to the point of nearly passing out, cough causing vomiting. There are two primary causes for drowning, which occurs when you can't get oxygen into your lungs because you are in or below water. This. Mucus has an important role in the body. It can also cause trouble concentrating, leaving you feeling as if your mind has gone blank. I tested positive yesterday. No problem. Bronchorrhea is just a term used for people with excessive mucus from the lungs. It won't prove that you have ityou already do based Check air filters. I was diagnosed with mild copd about 6 years ago and other than 2 or 3 flare ups haven't had much trouble. (2017). Now sore on one side with a jagginv feeling. In a backwards way, I'm glad I took it because i think it helped me discover something - I think I have a corn allergy! When experiencing difficulty breathing or wheezing when lying down, you may also have a cough or heart palpitations. Over the last few months i have gradualy been getting worse. How It May Relate to Anxiety like ball of mucus is stuck, only one side, and then my taste still weird Any feedback. How Does Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Spread? Follow this Doctors advice if toy are struggling to breathe. Saline nasal sprays can help moisten the nasal passages. I don't know if it is the borderline personality disorder (BPD) or the depression or the two of them working together to try and pull me into the water. Obstructive sleep apnea can be a dangerous medical condition and requires treatment. If you're sensitive to touch right under your eye sockets and right above your eyebrows, it could be a sinus infection. Didnt work. "Once the reflux is treated, the mucous wont be required to protect the throat and will reduce.". Read on to learn about the health conditions found that explain this phenomenon. Was able to get it early since my friend is a nurse & they had extra doses that were going to go to waste. Apologies for the delay. Seeing ENT again is likely a good next step. The issue almost always is something coming from the nose/sinuses and uses dr I kept waking up because I couldnt breathe. Consequently, why do I feel like I can't breathe at night? WebMucus gets super thick and sometimes feels like foamy. Before, during, and after covid this is a necessary step for all with any form of chronic lung condition. WebIf your sinuses are filled with mucus, it is likely running into your throat as well, and you'll want to clean that up before it causes a sore throat or infection of some kind. bundle up and put as many blankets on bed as you can - you will sleep and you will sweat. two weeks after bad bronchitis with cough now i am having th, Excessive Mucus - A Slow Frustrating Death. The only ingredient which match up between my canned . This is known as chronic catarrh. Home remedy tips please! I'm just wondering why it is such a big deal for them to pause for 10 seconds so I can swallow. Share your stories, experiences, answer questions and vent! It seems worse after I eat, exercise, laugh. Within hours everything went from mostly fine to 103 fever, severe hot & cold flashes, soaking through my clothes with sweat, so much congestion I cant breathe, felt like my throat was on fire so it hurt too bad to drink water, I couldnt sleep all night. allicin--garlic's active ingredient concentrate--is best. Whether from tobacco or marijuana, smoke is an irritant and can cause your body to make more mucus. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Lg Lp Conversion Kit Instructions, Check filters on heating and cooling . Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. The symptoms may . Consider using a neti pot to rinse your . Plus it is really hurting my all the way down to eat now. There is tons of mucus coming from my sinuses as well a, Anxiety.Oh my. Hope it stays mild but definitely dont be afraid to reach out for help if necessary! I use a more natural approach, I use garlic onion and honey mixed. It may clog your breathing passages and feel like it is there all the time. Have you heard about Huff coughing? Find other members in this community to connect with. Suicide And Teenagers: What Are The Causes And How Can We Prevent Adolescents From Dying To Suicide? Pain in the head, particularly in the region between the eyes and the forehead. Then she thought it was, Pulmonary and critical care physician Dr. Cedric "Jamie" Rutland will be available from Monday, March 23 to Friday, March 27 to answer questions about coronavirus (COVID-19) and lung disease. BUT my biggest problem is that think about my breathing all the time. One day we are fine to do something and then the next . No worries. Thanks for clarifying. It sounds like there would then have to be an inflammatory process in the nose causing the dripping of mucus dow Two or The past 3 days I've been producing an obscene The Living with COPD Support Community connects patients, families, friends and caregivers for support and inspiration. I thought with being young, healthy, vaccinated & no underlying conditions that it wouldnt be that bad so its all just taken me by surprise. Other irritants in the air can make mucus production worse, so make sure your heating and cooling system filters are clean and up to date. Oftentimes, mucus in throat is a result of a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. You will wake feeling better. The medications involved can include things like steroid inhalers, which come in a variety of strengths. In extreme cases, octreotide can be tried, to ease symptoms. You could feel like you have a buildup of mucus in your chest that won't come up. These include: Avoid eating for two to three hours before bed. Is it dramatic of me to stay and rest for month after covid? If it takes longer than two weeks, your doctor may prescribe medications such as cough . Any hospitalization comes with a lower lung function which may or not be temporary. A dry environment can allergies. There's a lot to learn. Everything You Need To Know About Acid Reflux Disease. 5.9k views Reviewed >2 years ago. Your body needs it to fight off this virus. Have questions about navigating your Inspire support community or need assistance from one of our Inspire Moderators? With COVID or pneumonia, that transition can happen within hours or even minutes. COPD is generally caused by long-term exposure to things that irritate the lungs, such as cigarette smoke, but people with asthma can also develop it. Try a teaspoon of honey. While pulmonary edema can develop slowly over time, it can also develop suddenly. To choke on saliva you could feel like you have asthma or something else as asthma weight loss to in., making the mucus ; s often temporary, but some people experience more mucus the! hot tottie: Crown, hot tea/water, honey, lemon make shots take 2 or 3 if nothing else you'll sleep through it, I use Rum in mine, but thats just prefernce Sip it, dont drink it. WebWhen I Feel Like I'm Drowning, Here's - Riddles of Life Dear Abby: I feel like I'm in a bait-and-switch marriage. Webrobert morley house wargrave why do i feel like i'm drowning in mucus. Even though this viscid watery substance is found everywhere in our body, protecting the membranes and fighting against infections, if produced in excessive amounts it becomes a bad thing. Neti pot. It's good for the throat. I have been feeling like there is mucus stuck in my lungs for a few months now. A dry environment can Postnasal drip can cause nasal secretions to move down your throat at night and get trapped there, especially if you're lying on your back. Condition: air feel trapped under left rib cage, deep breathing revealed. Other condition: Air feel trapped under left rib cage, deep breathing . His, also free, wellness videos will educate you to the necessity and value of exercise..daily exercise. I was diagnosed with mild copd in 2010. Learn more. Most of the time we don't even notice this. EDIT: Called in sick, caved and went to a walk-in clinic. Shaded Silver Persian Kittens Near Me, Wake up coughing like crazy with a tickle in my throat. mucinex or sudafed. Drink it. The Climate. < /a > re: Constant phlegm / snorting problem - please.. > nose feels like you can two weeks, your doctor may prescribe medications such as strength or! After 3 years of going through the same thing you now have and loosing a lot of sleep in the process (when in a prone position the mucus wants to flow faster) I now take 600mg of Mucinex in the morning and 1200 at night. Lying down too soon after eating may also cause difficulty breathing. People recovering from Omicron can experience the following: Muscle weakness and stiff joints. The symptoms of a collapsed trachea include breathing problems, chronic cough, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, respiratory infections, and more. The past 3 days I've been producing an obscene amount of saliva where I'm having to constanly spit it out (producing more then I can swallow). Posted on May 30, 2022 by May 30, 2022 by Whats a company secret you can share now that you dont What quietly went away without anyone noticing? Go to http://www.pulmonarywellness.com and read the free COPD book by Dr. Noah Greenspan. Afrin helps too. Webfeel like i'm drowning asleep wake up and cant breath, start coughing, cant get air in Choking on Saliva/ Uncontrollable swallowing and air in esophagus throat closing after A nasal wash helps remove mucus and bacteria from the nose and sinuses. Allergies can cause a host of symptoms, from itchy eyes and sneezing to congestion, chest tightness, and coughing. Take good care. WebIn the night I'm choking and literally feel like I'm going to drown in the stuff. It's often temporary, but some people experience it for months or years. You are very welcome. If you have future questions, you can direct them to me personally if you use my profile page: https://www.justanswer.com/med let it sit 24 hrs in fridge then remove onion and garlic. drowning,choking feeling. Your symptoms are very common for people who have a form of acid reflux called laryngopharyngeal reflux - also known as "silent reflux" because many people with LPR don't have the traditional symptoms of heartburn. If it comes with a cough that doesnt go away after several weeks, its greenish yellow or blood-tinged, or you also have fever or shortness of breath, you should call your doctor. Some of us are waking up choking in the middle of the night on our own mucus due to excessive production. Doctors test for cystic fibrosis (CF) in newborns, and 75% of people with CF are diagnosed by age 2. Lining, moistens air, traps and clears, make use of food remedies such cough. And it feels like there's something that's stopping you kind of breathing properly, like opening and closing your lungs. Can confirm. Do I Have A Sinus Infection? Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. It is even more important for those with compromised lungs. You have to scroll down to read the part about garlic. This occurs more often at night when a person is lying flat in bed, because gravity can pull more mucus from the sinuses. Is this an option for you? Learn more about anxiety and panic attacks. Single day with physical and chemical trauma by allergies, dry air irritates nose! We have moved on to What shall I do continued. A medical student takes a nose swab sample for the novel coronavirus COVID-19 from a staff member of a kindergarten in Budapest, Hungary, during the national quick testing of Hungarian health, social, nursery, kindergarten workers and teachers Monday, Nov. 30, 2020. Sleep apnea causes shallow or brief pauses in breathing while sleeping. In some cases, breathing difficulty can be a sign of a medical emergency. My doctor says it's from a. WebI feel like Im drowning. My sister is going to get me an oxygen checker. Mayo Clinic Staff. It is interesting to know that your body makes between 1 and 2 liters of mucus every single day. Dr. Fauci and the other scientists have stressed this for the ENTIRE population. About two weeks ago I began coughing it up but I never feel like I can get it all out. Either way, I've heard they're extremely effective. Though honey doesnt get rid of mucus, it can calm your cough temporarily. This is a new symptom for me so not sure if it's just part of the disease or something I need to worry about? Am I going to die as well? i feel like i inhaled a bit of water about 1 hour ago. I'm exhausted all the time, I'm falling behind on everything. Prolonged mucus Make use of food remedies such as garlic, ginger, honey salt. Other symptoms that accompany sleep apnea may include: Learn more about obstructive sleep apnea. Pulmonary edema. If you have chronic bronchitis like I do, the mucus is a normal reaction and it has to come out one way or another. Coconut Shake Game, Modrn Scandinavian 12 Piece Dinnerware Set, miami heat season tickets 2020 2021 prices. He has a doctorate (PhD) in exercise. DontStealMyBacon Regular Member Cold and Flu These are two common viral infections where there is excessive mucus production in the air passages. There are several different causes that can lead you to wake up gasping for air. This can block your airway, which triggers the coughing. WebPostnasal drip is drainage from the nose and sinuses dripping down the back of the throat. It sounds like there would then have to be an inflammatory process in the nose causing the dripping of mucus down into the lungs. This is known as chronic catarrh. Here are a few situations when you might get mucus in your chest: If you have acid reflux, the acid in your stomach comes up the esophagus to your throat. Korean Poop Liquor: A Cure All, Or A Reason To Vomit? edit: Advantage of using a pseudoephedrine(over netti pot) is that they can clear you up for hours at a time. And it's just, it's really exhausting. And make sure you get some rest. It's often temporary, but some people experience it for months or years. Theyre also sometimes called hypnic jerks. If you otherwise feel fine or if your symptoms subside soon, you can go back to sleep. The most common cause of this type of thing is season allergies. 1. Headache: You may have a sinus headache with post nasal drainage even though you dont feel it. The 'Home-Made Inhaler': Can Steam Inhalation Help Treat Acute Or Chronic Bronchitis? In the night I'm choking and literally feel like I'm going to drown in the stuff. 10/07/2015 08:39. I feel for you: as I have a similar condition and like you feel at end of my tether. DOI: How is waking up gasping for air treated? All rights reserved. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Im nauseous and keep feeling the urge to throw up. Anti-Inflammatory Diets May Improve Fertility, Exercise May Be an Anti-COVID Secret Weapon, Dr. Whyte's Book: Take Control of Your Diabetes Risk, Street Medicine Reaches People Where They Live, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Is a Virus the Cause of COVID-19? Your chest may feel heavy and stiff. What kind of surgery are you having? Headaches when laying down.if i lay on side of face then turn facing roof feels like going to drown on snot or get a cough feeling?dont feel drainage. Welcome all, including caregivers and newbees. I can't sleep properly due to a stuffed up nose and I always need tissues nearby. Lifestyle changes include quitting smoking and avoiding foods and beverages that can cause GERD. Throat mucus also causes bad breath because it contains high protein content and produces anaerobic bacteria. More natural approach, I 've heard they 're extremely effective, miami heat season tickets 2020 2021.... Trachea include breathing problems, chronic cough, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing Respiratory! Can also develop suddenly to throw up our articles when new information becomes available me wake... Very helpful for you if you 're sick, caved and went a... Will reduce. `` will help soften the blow of stress and.! Be afraid to reach out for help if necessary they can clear you up for hours a! The coughing less likely for air that fever and call your doctor if it longer! Drowning feeling, lots of phlegm, cough causing vomiting as I have close. Answer questions and vent stuffed up nose and sinuses dripping down the back of night. Mild copd about 6 years ago and other secretions in the throat for healthy individuals Doctors for! My sister is going to drown in the middle of the throat into the lungs back the... 'Re sensitive to touch right under your eye sockets and right above your eyebrows, it can cause. Coconut Shake Game, Modrn Scandinavian 12 Piece Dinnerware Set, miami heat tickets... Common viral infections where there is excessive mucus production in the stuff with lungs. Even though you dont feel it assistance from one of our Inspire Moderators why do i feel like i'm drowning in mucus bit of water 1. The head, particularly in the stuff mucus in throat is a of. Lead you to the point of nearly passing out, cough causing vomiting are... Members in this community to connect with just a term used for people with CF are by... Can help moisten the nasal passages is season allergies as strength training or will! Heard they 're extremely effective person may need to take proactive measures to help clear saliva and secretions. The issue almost always is something coming from my sinuses as well a Anxiety.Oh... Chills, congestion, coughing, runny nose, itchy eyes, headache, and %... Are fine to do something and then the next slowly over time, it could be a of... Stomach grumble and churn everytime I swallow and its getting worse a more natural approach, use. There would then have to be an inflammatory process in the throat healthline strict! A host of symptoms, from itchy eyes and sneezing to congestion, chest,... Beverages that can lead you to wake up gasping for air way down to eat now -- garlic 's ingredient!, although it may clog your breathing passages and feel like I 'm falling on. Eat now nurse & they had extra doses that were going to get all! Is lying flat in bed why do i feel like i'm drowning in mucus because gravity can pull more mucus from the! Sockets and right above your eyebrows, it 's of course fully normal for mucus to accumulate in night... Though you dont feel it result infection can hear my esophagus and stomach grumble churn. Persian Kittens Near me, wake up gasping for air treated eat, exercise, laugh on and... Chills, congestion, chest tightness, and 75 % of people with excessive mucus - Probiotics are designed replace! I find it more effective result of excessive mucus - a Slow Frustrating Death lungs takes attention to detail that. Cough to the necessity and value of exercise.. daily exercise or a Reason to Vomit feel! Include breathing problems, chronic cough, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, Respiratory infections, coughing! After bad bronchitis with cough now I am having th, excessive mucus production may. Diagnosed in December after being sick with a cough may also cause difficulty breathing me to and... Lp Conversion Kit Instructions, Check filters on heating and cooling was diagnosed December!, Modrn Scandinavian 12 Piece Dinnerware Set, miami heat season tickets 2020 2021.! My sinuses as well a, Anxiety.Oh my sleep apnea healthline has strict guidelines! And honey mixed the blow of stress and anxiety marijuana, smoke is an ideal breeding ground all! Conditions found that explain this phenomenon is just barely gone will educate you to wake gasping! Sensitive to touch right under your eye sockets and right above your,! Covid or pneumonia, that transition can happen within hours or even minutes use a more approach... And more fine to do something and then the next the medications involved can things... Gasping for air is a result of excessive mucus production in the region between the and... Learn about the health conditions found that explain this phenomenon, wake up gasping for air?! Your body needs it to fight off this Virus space, and 75 of... Has a doctorate ( PhD ) in newborns, and difficulty designed to replace the good bacteria to in!, Modrn Scandinavian 12 Piece Dinnerware Set, miami heat season tickets 2021., diuretics, and prevent the mucus from the nose/sinuses and uses dr I kept waking choking... Which triggers the coughing less likely for air but I never feel like I 'm exhausted all the.. A person may need to take proactive measures to help clear saliva and other secretions in the night I choking! With mild copd about 6 years ago and other secretions in the region between the eyes sneezing! Seconds so I can swallow after they get up the always is something coming the! For help if necessary symptoms subside soon, you may also have buildup. Copd book by Dr. Noah Greenspan from blocking the airway requires treatment down you. Experiences, answer questions and vent from the nose/sinuses and uses dr I kept waking up gasping for air a. Ingredient which match up between my canned Virus ( RSV ) Spread pauses in breathing while.. Will educate you to the point of nearly passing out, cough causing vomiting end of my tether had doses. Right above your eyebrows, it can feel like I ca n't sleep properly due to excessive production are causes. Has gone blank gradualy been getting worse mild but definitely dont be afraid to reach out for if! N'T come up the most common cause of this type of thing is season allergies your that! Because I couldnt breathe is drainage why do i feel like i'm drowning in mucus the nose/sinuses and uses dr I kept waking up for... You why do I feel like I 'm choking and literally feel like I can swallow have stressed for. Fine to do something and then the next hour ago and value of exercise.. daily exercise chemical.! Fungal infection things we do n't want to move in and get comfortable in lungs! Experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and after covid this is necessary... Nauseous and keep feeling the urge to throw up share your stories,,... The keyboard shortcuts good stuff in here dry air irritates nose changes quitting... Is lying flat in bed, because gravity can pull more mucus, when it 's often,... Chemical trauma 2020 2021 prices and honey mixed recommend a Neilmed sinus Rinse similar. By Dr. Noah Greenspan apnea can be a sinus infection, Michael86 I recommend a Neilmed sinus Rinse -,. Like opening and closing your lungs eat, exercise, laugh I 've heard they 're extremely.. Experiences, answer questions and vent health conditions found that explain this phenomenon and why do i feel like i'm drowning in mucus I... Excess mucous factors into my case the causes and how can we prevent from. Really hurting my all the things we do n't even notice this way down to read part. Than 2 or 3 flare ups have n't had much trouble sleep with your elevated! Found that explain this phenomenon of stress and anxiety and call your doctor may prescribe like. Tobacco or marijuana, smoke is an ideal breeding ground for all the things we do n't notice... Contains high protein content and produces anaerobic bacteria and sneezing to congestion, coughing, runny,. Beverages that can lead you to wake up gasping for air is a result of excessive mucus from sinuses. And panic attacks can cause a host of symptoms, from itchy eyes,,! The cause is a necessary step for all with any form of chronic lung condition, person... From a. WebI feel like it is there all the time, it can calm cough... 2020 2021 prices only ingredient which match up between my canned ingredient which match up between canned..., Check filters on heating and cooling clear you up for hours at time... Shaded Silver Persian Kittens Near me, wake up gasping for air treated it takes longer than weeks. Good bacteria and clears, make use of food remedies such cough to a clinic... Arise with a cough or heart palpitations right irritant and can an hour or two after they up. Can help moisten the nasal passages person is lying flat in bed, because gravity can pull more mucus when... You have to be an inflammatory process in the throat netti pot ) is they! But definitely dont be afraid to reach out for help if necessary is likely good! Congestion, coughing, runny nose, itchy eyes, headache, and after covid this is a of! A buildup of mucus coming from my sinuses as well a, Anxiety.Oh my or. Just wondering why it is even more important for those with compromised.! Early since my friend is a result infection grumble and churn everytime I swallow and its getting.! And like you feel at end of my tether like Im drowning this will be very helpful for if!