Gasping for breath at night

A friend of mine tells me that sometimes he wakes up at night gasping for breath. It is severe and he is unable to breathe for a matter of seconds. When he describes it, he says it feels like his windpipe is blocked or covered. it only happens at night, but says that it is frightening. Any thoughts on what this might be and what type of doctor he should see?

[Cathy12]

You should definitely see your primary care doctor for diagnosis, it can be pulminary or cardiac in nature, it can be sleep apnea or possibly other condition. Your symptoms sound significant and you definitely should see a doctor about it.

[Concerned lady]

Follow Cathy's good advice.

Also, check my website, which is about VCD (Vocal Cord Dysfunction). VCD causes a feeling of "throat closure", and can happen at night, often due to a high up type of gastric reflux, &/or from other causes.

Your friend should not take any chances, and he should go to an ER (Emergency Room) or call for an ambulance, in case something life-threatening is happening, such as a severe allergic reaction, &/or something else.

Sincerely,
Concerned lady
<a href=http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com.http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com</a>

[tired of pain in ga]

i had similar symtoms (symptoms) after a traumatic experience(anxiety).  it also could be thick mucous, or gastric reflux.

[flyboy8849]

I had the exact samething happening at night. Very scary. Took several months to realize it was acid reflux.  On aciphex now with no more problems.

[marygold]

It could also be sleep apnea. Sleep apnea runs very strongly in my family, and my grandfather had it really bad. He would stop breathing in his sleep many times and wake up.

[Robinbobin]

I have had this problem for as long as I can remember and I am 41.  I even had sleep tests etc.  Most doctors diagnose sleep apnea as an emotional disease not a phsyical disease-unless you are very fat, snore loud etc.  I am skinny.  I have learned to live with it as a way of life.   It is very very scary and feels very very deathly.

[CBAB]

I agree with everyone else. Go to the ER. But from very recent experience (and a similar scary incident) I tried the following and it helped SO much.

Sleep with the head of his bed elevated
stay away from fatty foods, chocolate, junk,
Practice good posture.
I stand when I eat, and remain standing for at leat 30 minutes.
Don't eat large meals.
Don't eat after 4 (I don't eat after 2)
If he notices these changes make a good difference it may be GERD-related.

[Concerned lady]

By now, I hope your friend has been diagnosed. If not, take a look at the following, for some more ideas, and see better docs!
<a href=http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com>http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com</a>

Concerned lady