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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
frequent awakening
Answered by
This forum is for questions and support regarding lung and respiratory issues such as: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds - Flu, Chronic Cough, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Fibrosis, Lung Abscess, Nasal Polyps, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sarcoidosis, Sinusitis, Tuberculosis.
frequent awakening
by MCB, Feb 28, 2005 12:00AM
Can mild emphysema cause frequent awakenings during the night? I smoked for years (25+). I have now quit. I had a clinical exam, a chest x-ray and a spirometry test performed about three years ago. The spiromoetry was normal with pretty good numbers across the board, my diaphragm was slightly flattened on the xray which the pulmonologist said would have probably been read as normal by a radiologist, and he guessed I probably had mild emphysema from the xray and chest exam. The last six months or so I wake up at night a couple of times per night, and over the last three months I awaken every two hours like clockwork. I have no trouble falling asleep, it's staying asleep that is the issue. Does this sound like emphysema? Thanks for your time
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Mar 10, 2005 12:00AM
, Mar 10, 2005 12:00AM
No, this does not sound like emphysema. You need to examine your use of caffeine and other stimulants. Then determine if you are being wakened by a regularly recurring noise, either in the house or outside. If neither of these are obvious issues you should have a sleep study.
A common complaint with emphysema is shortness of breath or difficulty getting a good deep breath. This can certainly be worse when you are on your back. When you are not breathing well this can effect the quality of your sleep. However, it does not usually affect your sleep in such a regular pattern as you have described.
A common complaint with emphysema is shortness of breath or difficulty getting a good deep breath. This can certainly be worse when you are on your back. When you are not breathing well this can effect the quality of your sleep. However, it does not usually affect your sleep in such a regular pattern as you have described.
Member Comments (2)
by Debi50, Feb 28, 2005 12:00AM
I can't give you a definate answer, but I am sure changes in the lungs affect a person's comfort level; thus probably causing sleep disturbances. I also wake easily at night; a very annoying problem, especially when I can't get back to sleep! I also have emphysema, plus a couple of other lung problems. Maybe someone else will be able to give you a more definitive answer. Hope you get some relief soon! Debi
