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What Causes Intermittent Choking And Breathlessness?
Question: last night at 3am I woke up and could not breathe, I could not catch my breath, after two minutes of trying and getting a little air in my airway, I could begin to breath. this has happen several times in the past couple years. I wake up, have a hard time catching my breath, then I am okay, really scared my wife last night as she did not know how to help me. I do snore and try to lay on my side to stop it. it could be sleep anea but not sure, do I need a sleep study, any ideas to help, thanks, YYYY@YYYY I am 64 and in good shape.
Brief Answer:
Sleep study, ECG and spirometry to be done
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
Sleep apnoea may be there and it's a right decision to undergo a sleep study so that it can be diagnosed and you can be advised of CPAP to get a pleasant refreshing sleep.
But choking and breathlessness is usually not a symptom of sleep apnoea. You must be evaluated for asthma and any heart ailments. For the bare minimum get a spirometry with reversibility testing and an ECG done.
You may try inhaled salbutamol and if symptom wean off in seconds then it is Asthma. Then after you can be prescribed proper treatment of asthma.
Best wishes
Sleep study, ECG and spirometry to be done
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
Sleep apnoea may be there and it's a right decision to undergo a sleep study so that it can be diagnosed and you can be advised of CPAP to get a pleasant refreshing sleep.
But choking and breathlessness is usually not a symptom of sleep apnoea. You must be evaluated for asthma and any heart ailments. For the bare minimum get a spirometry with reversibility testing and an ECG done.
You may try inhaled salbutamol and if symptom wean off in seconds then it is Asthma. Then after you can be prescribed proper treatment of asthma.
Best wishes
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
thank you, I don't have asthma and it only happens at night went I am alsleep, then I wake up and have a hard time catching my breath. my wife says sometimes when I snore, I stop breathing and then grasp to catch my breath, but I don't realize it at the time. but last night, I couldn't breath for 45 seconds, I got a little air each time I took a breath, then was okay, I will contact my doctor and get a sleep study done, I don't want to wear the carp machine, but if I have to, I have to,
thanks again, XXXXXXX
thanks again, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Best wishes
Detailed Answer:
Usually the apneic episodes in OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) is reported by spouse. But usually subjective sensation is less frequent.
Anyway go for sleep study.
Best wishes
Best wishes
Detailed Answer:
Usually the apneic episodes in OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) is reported by spouse. But usually subjective sensation is less frequent.
Anyway go for sleep study.
Best wishes
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
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