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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Could Not Inhale During Sleep, Tongue Blocked The Throat. Why Is It ?

Last night as I was sleep, I could not inhale/breath because my tongue was blocking my throat. I jumped up out of bed to try to inhale but I couldn't I went to the bathroom and looked into the mirrow my tongue was in backof my mouth. I put my finger on my tongue to make a clear way to my throat. A little air went in, and then my tongue slowly relaxed and I could inhale. Wow, this was scary, I felt like I was choking to death in my sleep.
posted on Tue, 13 Aug 2013
Twitter Tue, 13 Aug 2013 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 13 Aug 2013 Last reviewed on
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ENT Specialist,  's  Response
hello and welcome to HCM,
The symptom you described is called a choking episode and can have a multitude of causes which may range from general large tongue causing block or an sleep apnoea syndrome.
If this episode recurs then you should definitely undergo a complete evaluation which includes pan endoscopy, sleep study and imaging studies.
Also follow general measures such as reduced intake of spicy and oily food especially in the night, avoid tight clothes and do not lie down immediately after your meal.
Follow a regular healthy diet on time and also keep your weight in check.
hope this helps

regards
Dr Sriram Nathan
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Could Not Inhale During Sleep, Tongue Blocked The Throat. Why Is It ?

hello and welcome to HCM, The symptom you described is called a choking episode and can have a multitude of causes which may range from general large tongue causing block or an sleep apnoea syndrome. If this episode recurs then you should definitely undergo a complete evaluation which includes pan endoscopy, sleep study and imaging studies. Also follow general measures such as reduced intake of spicy and oily food especially in the night, avoid tight clothes and do not lie down immediately after your meal. Follow a regular healthy diet on time and also keep your weight in check. hope this helps regards Dr Sriram Nathan