My Husband Is Waking Up Maybe 3 -4 Times In The Night Time Coughing And Gasping For His Breath

Posted on Mon, 11 Jan 2021

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 Answered on

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : 1:27 am
My husband is waking up maybe 3 -4 times in the night time coughing and gasping for his breath and then coughing out a whole lot of mucus . It's starting to get work and he's scared to go to the hospital and It scares me so bad I don't sleep cause I'm constantly watching him to make sure.hesnnot choking or something please help us . Oh and he doesn't have a fever

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
This might be due to sleep apnea or allergic bronchitis.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone through the history you have given.
Similar symptoms are commonly seen with sleep apnea and allergic bronchitis.
So I want to know few more things to guide you further.
Please let me know
1. Height and weight of him
2. Any allergies?
3. Any smoking habit?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions so that I can guide you better about medicines and investigations.
Wishing good health to your husband. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (3 hours later)

Around 180 & 5'8
No allergies
& Yes to smoking cigs (alot )
Does have a problem with herion as well

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get done Pulmonary Function Test and sleep study.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
In my opinion, you should get done Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) and sleep study for the diagnosis.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your husband. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad