I’ve been struggling with breathing issues during sleep lately, and it’s been quite concerning. I often wake up feeling short of breath or gasping for air. I’m curious about what might be causing this problem—is it related to sleep apnea, allergies, or something else entirely?
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1 Doctor Answer
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This answer was edited.Based on your description, it is clear that your breathing issues during sleep warrant further evaluation. Conditions such as sleep apnoea, allergies, nasal obstruction, or other underlying medical issues can significantly disrupt normal breathing patterns during rest.
Sleep Apnoea: Sleep apnoea is characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. This disruption prevents restful sleep and lowers blood oxygen levels. A sleep study can confirm if sleep apnoea is the cause of your breathing issues.
Allergies: Allergies can cause nasal irritation and inflammation, this is known as allergic rhinitis. The nasal swelling and congestion can make breathing through the nose difficult, especially when lying down, leading to restless sleep and the sensation of choking during sleep. Allergy testing can be done to identify specific allergens and guide effective treatments to reduce nasal inflammation.
Nasal Obstruction: Structural abnormalities within the nose, such as a deviated septum, polyps, or enlarged turbinates, can block the nasal airway. This restriction of airflow can disrupt sleep. An ENT specialist can examine your nasal cavity with an endoscope to determine if these structures are impairing your breathing and if surgical correction is necessary. Breathing issues during sleep can severely impact sleep quality, increase the risk of medical conditions like hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and, and negatively affect overall health, quality of life, and productivity. It is crucial to consult an ENT specialist if you experience disturbed breathing at night.
A thorough evaluation can identify and treat the underlying cause, ensuring you receive the appropriate care to improve your sleep and overall well-being.
Dr Valerie Tay
Senior Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon
https://www.aspire-ent.sg/
https://www.instagram.com/drvalerietay/The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.
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Based on your description, it is clear that your breathing issues during sleep warrant further evaluation. Conditions such as sleep apnoea, allergies, nasal obstruction, or other underlying medical issues can significantly disrupt normal breathing patterns during rest.
Sleep Apnoea: Sleep apnoea is characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. This disruption prevents restful sleep and lowers blood oxygen levels. A sleep study can confirm if sleep apnoea is the cause of your breathing issues.
Allergies: Allergies can cause nasal irritation and inflammation, this is known as allergic rhinitis. The nasal swelling and congestion can make breathing through the nose difficult, especially when lying down, leading to restless sleep and the sensation of choking during sleep. Allergy testing can be done to identify specific allergens and guide effective treatments to reduce nasal inflammation.
Nasal Obstruction: Structural abnormalities within the nose, such as a deviated septum, polyps, or enlarged turbinates, can block the nasal airway. This restriction of airflow can disrupt sleep. An ENT specialist can examine your nasal cavity with an endoscope to determine if these structures are impairing your breathing and if surgical correction is necessary. Breathing issues during sleep can severely impact sleep quality, increase the risk of medical conditions like hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and, and negatively affect overall health, quality of life, and productivity. It is crucial to consult an ENT specialist if you experience disturbed breathing at night.
A thorough evaluation can identify and treat the underlying cause, ensuring you receive the appropriate care to improve your sleep and overall well-being.
Dr Valerie Tay
Senior Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon
https://www.aspire-ent.sg/
https://www.instagram.com/drvalerietay/
The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.