Question 1

will something other than sleep apnea cause me to wake up at night gasping for air?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Sometimes acid reflux (gerd) may present with symptoms similar to choking or sleep apnea.

Question 2

yawning to catch my breath- shortness of breath. albuterol inhaler doesn't help. at night wake up gasping for air. what kind of doctor should i see?

Accepted Answer

Prego -short breath: If you are pregnant and on several medications, you first must  be sure you are healthy for the pregnancy and be sure to have your OB doctor okay any medication.  If your health is okay then some of your symptoms may be anxiety based and you should talk to your family doctor about this, to diagnose and give you assistance.

Question 3

i have problems sleeping at night especially on a full stomach. i wake up gasping for air and heart racing. also a tightness in my chest. any ideas?

Accepted Answer

Sleep Apnea/Asthma: Your symptoms are suspicious for a condition called sleep apnea which happens when your breathing pattern is disrupted during sleep.  Also, asthma can present in a similar manner.  Sleep apnea is usually associated with overweight patients and asthma is normally associated with wheezing.  Luckily, both are easily treatable, see your primary care doctor for treatment options.

Question 4

it doesn't happen often but happens every couple of months maybe. i wake up in the night gasping for air for about ten seconds. what could it be?

Accepted Answer

OSA: Sounds like you should see a sleep physician and find out if you have Obstructive Sleep Apnea. It is easily treated. In extreme cases, this condition is life threatening so please get it checked as soon as possible.

Question 5

why do i wake up in the middle of the night gasping for air once every several months? i've been to a dr and i don't have acid reflux. age 24, 80kgs

Accepted Answer

Gasping air: Gasping for air  once every several months  during sleep may be due to bad dreams. If happening on regular basis with snoring, look for sleep apnea. Strattera (atomoxetine) effects the heart rhythm. You need 24 holter monitor and sleep apnea study. Also ENT doctor to find out any nasopharynx abnormality. Thanks.

Question 6

i notice when i take a xanax (alprazolam) i stop breathing in my sleep and wake up gasping for air several times a night . what could this be ?

Accepted Answer

Apnea or panic: Possibly withdrawal panic attacks;  but more likely and  worrisome concern  is  central  sleep apnea -  brain  not  registering  low  oxygen - forgets to  breathe- temporary suffocation. starving  your  brain of oxygen  Very dangerous-impairs  thinking &amp; judgement next day., causes  depression &amp; daytime sleepiness, eg fall asleep driving.  This  needs  IMMEDIATE attention!  Taper Xanax (alprazolam) w/ your MD.

Question 7

i wake up in the middle of the night, 1 night every few months randomly, gasping for air, heart pounding, hands shaking, feeling like i am suffocating only for the sensation to go away in 30 seconds or so. i am 21, no known diseases. any clue?

Accepted Answer

: A bad dream could result in the outcome you described. If you are overweight, losing weight is imperative. It, by itself, would not affect your health!

Question 8

why do i wake up gasping for air?

Accepted Answer

Rule out sleep apnea: An important sleep disorder that involves waking up, gasping for air, and often also involves snoring is called obstructive sleep apnea. There is a temporary closing off of the airway during sleep that causes periods of no breathing and therefore involuntary waking. There are other conditions that can involve gasping, including waking from nightmares, night terrors, anxiety attacks, and others.

Question 9

what could cause a person to wake up coffin and gasping for air.

Accepted Answer

Cough/air hunger: Several possibilities e.g. Sleep apnea, or gerd a condition where stomach contents regurgitate into your throat during sleep.  See your doctor for complete exam and workup for your problem.

Question 10

what are the symptoms of hynogogcic jerks can u wake up gasping for air for instance?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety: Many folks who are highly anxious have a fear on not getting enough air.  When we are between sleeping and waking we can feel quite vulnerable and pull out of the relaxed state with a start.  Get help from your doc or a clinical psychologist, more likely the latter will be the one to help you through this.  Magnesium level can be tested for and supplemented if needed.  Low mag can cause jerks.

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Doctor answers about:

Wake up at night gasping for air

A member asked:

Will something other than sleep apnea cause me to wake up at night gasping for air?

A member asked:

Yawning to catch my breath- shortness of breath. albuterol inhaler doesn't help. at night wake up gasping for air. what kind of doctor should i see?

A member asked:

I have problems sleeping at night especially on a full stomach. i wake up gasping for air and heart racing. also a tightness in my chest. any ideas?

A member asked:

It doesn't happen often but happens every couple of months maybe. i wake up in the night gasping for air for about ten seconds. what could it be?

A member asked:

Why do i wake up in the middle of the night gasping for air once every several months? i've been to a dr and i don't have acid reflux. age 24, 80kgs

A member asked:

I notice when i take a xanax (alprazolam) i stop breathing in my sleep and wake up gasping for air several times a night . what could this be ?

A member asked:

I wake up in the middle of the night, 1 night every few months randomly, gasping for air, heart pounding, hands shaking, feeling like i am suffocating only for the sensation to go away in 30 seconds or so. i am 21, no known diseases. any clue?

A member asked:

Why do i wake up gasping for air?

A member asked:

What could cause a person to wake up coffin and gasping for air.

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of hynogogcic jerks can u wake up gasping for air for instance?

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