Waking up not able to breath

[shade9]

I have just recently started to have this problem, I suddenly wake up from a deep sleep and can't breath. I have had asthma since I was 9 I am 20 now and I have never had this problem its happened twice in the last month. I don't sleep any different than i usually do and this is scary, I end up wasting half the rest of the night coughing. I don't think its my asthma because over the years I don't have attacks very often if any. If anyone's got suggestions id appreciate it.

[bsmsl]

You definitely need to be seen by a doctor ASAP.  

Asthma is a definite posisbility.  Waking up with difficulty breathing and coughing are a symptom of asthma flare that requires medical attention.  Asthma symptoms change from time to time.  You need to be aware of all possible symptoms and watching for them.  Not just the symptoms that you think are normal to you.  I have a friend that ended up in the hospital because she ignored typical asthma symptoms because they were not typical to her and she is a medical professional.  Don't ignore the posibility.

Second, sleep apnea is a possibility as well lik linda mentioned.  It is important to have sleep apnea diagnosed.  It can lead to heart attacks.

You should also discus GERD with your doctor.  Many asthmatics have "silent GERD" , LPR (laryngeal-pharygeal reflux).  This is a type of reflux that tends to lead to more aspiration of stomach fluids.  It is atypical to experience heart burn with LPR.  So it needs to be discussed with your doctor as well.

I doubt that you could have grown out of your asthma.  The patients that "grow out of asthma" are usually much younger than 9 when initially diagnosed.  Also, 50% of patients that do "out grow" asthma have it return at some point in their lives, frequently in their later teens or early 20s.  

Take care of yourself and have this checked out.
God bless.

[lindahand]

I would go see a doctor. There are many possibilites. Could be asthma related, could be an anxiety issue. I've heard of people waking up with panic attacks. It could also be sleep apnea where you stop breathing for periods of time while you sleep. It is really important to get this checked out asap.

[Spiderman147]

Hi Friend! Firstly try and find out what changed during the time! Something physical usually triggers! (Allergies, change of weather, circumstances, family conditions, anything?) At the age of 20 you should not be exposed to severe COPD, thus in my opinion should be another cause. The main thing is not to panic as this just worsen the next time you wake up! I strongly suggest you go see a Physician who specialises in pulmonary disorders. Finally, I agree, don't think it could be the asthma as many grows out of it by your age!