What Causes Breathlessness And Choking Sensation During Sleep?

Posted on Fri, 26 Jun 2015

Question: Hi,

my wife age 29 is getting breathless and feels choked every other night during sleep.
Off late it happened 2-3 times in last week.
What could be the reason and Which speciality should we consult this situation with? Is there any permanent remedy?
For now whenever she loses sleep due to this mid sleep, she gets up and takes a stroll in fresh air.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get done PFT and sleep study.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Night time breathlessness with choking episodes can be seen in asthma and sleep apnea.
So better to consult pulmonologist and get done
1. Clinical examination of respiratory system
2. PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) to rule out asthma.
Also consult sleep specialist and get done sleep study to rule out sleep apnea.
Treatment is available for both of them.
But you need to first diagnose herself and then start appropriate treatment.
Please let me know
1. Is she snore heavily in night?
2. What is her height?
3. What is her weight?
4. Is she having excessive day time sleepiness and headache?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wishing good health to your wife.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar