Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Difficulty In Breathing While Sleeping On The Stomach?
Question: My regular GP is closed today and I have a question. lately I have been awakened during the night unable to breathe. it is happening about to two maybe three times a week now and last night was the reason for this message. I seem to I think be sleeping fine and I'm suddenly awake having to jump up and somehow Catch My Breath and then I can go back to sleep. this mainly happens when sleeping on my stomach.
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
Your symptoms could be related to gastro-esophageal reflux or sleep apnea.
Coming to this point, I would first recommend trying an antiacid or PPI (omeprazole, pantoprazole, etc.) before sleep and avoid sleeping on your stomach.
If the situation persists, despite following the above tips, I would recommend performing further tests:
- a chest X ray study and pulmonary function tests
- a resting ECG and a cardiac ultrasound
- a polysomnogram to investigate for sleep apnea.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
Your symptoms could be related to gastro-esophageal reflux or sleep apnea.
Coming to this point, I would first recommend trying an antiacid or PPI (omeprazole, pantoprazole, etc.) before sleep and avoid sleeping on your stomach.
If the situation persists, despite following the above tips, I would recommend performing further tests:
- a chest X ray study and pulmonary function tests
- a resting ECG and a cardiac ultrasound
- a polysomnogram to investigate for sleep apnea.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
