Breathing Difficulty in chair or laying flat.

[beachbum656]

I'm a 50 year old mail with long term but generally mild asthma, non smoker for the last 25 years. In relatively good shape but maybe just a little overweight. Blood Pressure is raised, again long term & I have taken meds for this for several years.
I have two problems, both long term.
1. If I fall asleep sitting upright in a chair, I really struggle to breath & after I have wheezed & snored myself awake I continue to be wheezy for some time afterwards, have had this problem for many many years (20 plus), sometimes worse than others.
2. Same problem really but from laying flat on my back.
Only comfortable way to sleep is on my belly or side.
I had an occupational medical 18 months ago including lung tests (blowing into a machine with a picture of a soda bottle filling :-) ) & an ECG. Passed the medical with no problems.
My GP blames the asthma but I'm struggling to find anyone else with the same symptoms caused by asthma, particularly the problem sleeping upright.
Any one on here with this?
Thanks.

[Jerry_NJ]

Sounds familiar.

I have had similar symptoms and have been diagnosed with mild obstructive sleep apnea.  This was last April.  I have since lost 20 pounds (was about 245, now 225, and 6' 5") and the symptoms are gone.  

My doctor agreed to delay going to a CPAP to see if weight loss would help.  We are yet to "prove" the cure... I need to take an over night at home recording Oximeter test to see if the low oxygen periods are gone.

I also have chronic sinus congestion, which complicates the situation, still the weight loss had stopped me waking up with a feeling I was suffocating.  This problem even happened when I dozed off sitting in a chair watching TV or reading - that's right reading, it too makes me sleepy.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hi, your problems with breathing are more likely to be related to snoring. Snoring by itself indicates  narrowed air passages. It could also indicate obstructive sleep apnea, diagnosed by a sleep test and treated by CPAP. For snoring you should avoid taking alcohol and try to sleep on your side as this keeps the airways patent. If any nasal blocks try to keep them patent with OTC nasal decongestants. Aim for optimum weight with exercises or long walks. If this does help with your symptoms check with your doctor to rule out obstructive sleep apnea. Regards.