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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Breathing Difficulty While Sleeping?

Hi, I am Ron. I was sleeping and awoke because my throat had closed and I could not take a breath. After some short unknown time, it relaxed and I fell asleep again. After a period of time, I don t know how long because I was asleep, It happened again. It happened again a third time, and I tried to relax to enable to breath again. I am now awake for about 1/2 hour and have talked to a telephone nurse. The symptoms do not reoccur while awake. She asked if my throat seemed swollen and I am not sure. She suggested gargeling salt water; but, i have no salt in house. I am apprehensive about going back to sleep. I live alone but when I fall asleep in the presence of others they have never reported that I snore.
Tue, 10 Oct 2017
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi Dear ,

Welcome to HCM.

Understanding your concern. As per your query you have breathing difficulty while sleeping which seems to be due to post nasal drip, acid reflux, diverticula and bacterial infection. The symptoms can also occur due to sleeping apnea. I would suggest you to avoid eating spicy and heavy food specially at night , take light walk after every meal , take antacid after every meal and eat at least one hour before going to sleep . Consult gastroenterologist for proper examination . Doctor may order x-ray of digestive tract , endoscopy of esophagus and ambulatory acidity test . Doctor may prescribe H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitor .Doctor may prescribe Glycopyrrolate. Doctor may also refer you to ENT specialist if he/she find problem to be related with upper respiratory tract infection. You should also go for sleep study so that doctor can recommend CPAP machine according report.For now do warm saline gargles and maintain oral hygiene .

Hope your concern has been resolved.

Get Well Soon.

Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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What Causes Breathing Difficulty While Sleeping?

Hi Dear , Welcome to HCM. Understanding your concern. As per your query you have breathing difficulty while sleeping which seems to be due to post nasal drip, acid reflux, diverticula and bacterial infection. The symptoms can also occur due to sleeping apnea. I would suggest you to avoid eating spicy and heavy food specially at night , take light walk after every meal , take antacid after every meal and eat at least one hour before going to sleep . Consult gastroenterologist for proper examination . Doctor may order x-ray of digestive tract , endoscopy of esophagus and ambulatory acidity test . Doctor may prescribe H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitor .Doctor may prescribe Glycopyrrolate. Doctor may also refer you to ENT specialist if he/she find problem to be related with upper respiratory tract infection. You should also go for sleep study so that doctor can recommend CPAP machine according report.For now do warm saline gargles and maintain oral hygiene . Hope your concern has been resolved. Get Well Soon. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari