Hi,I am Dr. Shanthi.E (General & Family Physician). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
Ex-smoker, Had An Episode Of Breathing Difficulty Which Eased On Kneeling, Later Had Coughing Fit. Possible Causes?
Hi - I woke up with a start at 5am not able to breathe. I m not sure if I was lying on my front or my back. I had to sit/kneel and then actually get out of bed before I was able to get a proper breath. I had a bit of a coughing fit afterwards, but returned to bed. My heart was never racing at all. This has happened a one or twice before, but the difficulty getting breath was worse this time. I am borderline overweight/obese but exercise regularly - 3/4/5 times a week and eat healthy, freshly cooked food 5/6times a week. I m 32 years old, ex-smoker (sometimes I have a few ciggies when I drink though) but generally of pretty good health. I m sure a general checkup is in order, and I plan to have one. I guess I d just like to know what may have caused this?
Hi, You may have suffered a bit of gastric reflux whilst asleep. The acidic fluid can cause a violent coughing fit when it irritates your larynx. If this happens again then I would suggest sleeping in a propped up position rather than flat. I would also suggest mentioning to your doctor at your check-up. Trying an antacid will also help. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger, MBChB FRCA
From the description you have given it looks like you are having symptoms secondary to a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which simply means that you have been smoking a lot. Dont worry, please approach a physician for a chest x ray and echo. You will need to be on certain medications which will prevent it
regards
I find this answer helpful
You found this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
Ex-smoker, Had An Episode Of Breathing Difficulty Which Eased On Kneeling, Later Had Coughing Fit. Possible Causes?
Hi, You may have suffered a bit of gastric reflux whilst asleep. The acidic fluid can cause a violent coughing fit when it irritates your larynx. If this happens again then I would suggest sleeping in a propped up position rather than flat. I would also suggest mentioning to your doctor at your check-up. Trying an antacid will also help. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger, MBChB FRCA