Experiencing sudden breathlessness upon waking: Examining anxiety, sleep apnea, and other possible reasons for such incidents
Are you frequently waking up gasping for air? You're not alone. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a disorder that causes the airway to become blocked during sleep, is a common culprit. This condition affects around 18 million adults in the United States [1].
OSA occurs when the throat muscles relax, causing the airway to narrow or shut completely for 10 seconds or more. This can happen repeatedly throughout the night (5 to 30 times or more per hour), preventing restful sleep and causing frequent awakenings gasping for air [1][3][4]. Risk factors include obesity, older age, chronic nasal congestion, smoking, diabetes, being male, family history, asthma, large tonsils and adenoids (particularly in children), certain genetic syndromes, and neuromuscular or endocrine disorders [1][3][4].
For those suffering from OSA, there are several treatment options available. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, which keeps the airway open by providing a steady flow of air through a mask during sleep, is a common solution [1]. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and managing nasal congestion can also help [1]. In some cases, surgical options like removal of enlarged tonsils/adenoids or other airway corrective surgeries may be necessary [1][3][4]. Dental devices that help keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw are another option [1].
In children aged 3 to 6 years, large tonsils and adenoids can physically block the upper airway during sleep, causing apneic episodes and gasping for air upon waking [3]. In such cases, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are commonly recommended treatments to relieve airway obstruction [1][3][4].
Post-nasal drip, another condition that can cause a person to feel like they cannot breathe and wake up gasping for air, is also a concern. This condition occurs when mucus and saliva produced throughout the day accumulate and trickle down the back of the throat [4]. Gastric reflux disease, sinus infections, and allergies are additional common causes of post-nasal drip [4]. Saline nasal sprays and using a neti pot can help manage post-nasal drip [4].
It's important to note that symptoms of asthma, such as coughing, wheezing, feeling unable to catch a breath, tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath, can also worsen at night [4]. If an individual also has chest pain or cannot catch their breath, they should seek immediate medical care [4].
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can also cause symptoms while a person is sleeping. Bronchodilators and corticosteroid inhalers can improve airflow in people with COPD [4].
Anxiety can lead to panic attacks, and when they occur at night, a person may wake up gasping for air. Antianxiety medication can help reduce the frequency of panic attacks and prevent a person from waking up gasping for air [4].
Heart failure, another condition that can cause shortness of breath, may also manifest at night. Beta-blockers can improve the function of the heart and reduce breathlessness in heart failure patients [4].
If you're experiencing symptoms of gasping for air while sleeping, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider or sleep specialist for evaluation and tailored treatment. Untreated airway obstruction can have serious health consequences, including poor sleep quality, cardiovascular complications, and daytime impairment [1][4].
References: [1] American Sleep Association. (n.d.). Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Retrieved from https://www.sleepassociation.org/resources/obstructive-sleep-apnea/ [2] Mayo Clinic. (2020). Obstructive sleep apnea. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20373619 [3] National Sleep Foundation. (2019). Childhood Sleep Apnea. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/childhood-sleep-apnea [4] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2020). What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea? Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/obstructive-sleep-apnea [5] Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Sleep-Related Laryngospasm. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17827-sleep-related-laryngospasm
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