Suggest Treatment For Sleep Apnea And Flu

Posted on Mon, 8 Dec 2014

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

Mon, 8 Dec 2014 Answered on

Fri, 2 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : my husband has sleep apnea and we came home from hosp. yesterday at 4:pm he was diagnosed with the flu. He also has an oxogen tank which he is using right now. My question is.... he breathes about 5-6 heavy breaths and then doesn't breathe for 15 to 19 seconds, then begins the cycle all over again. We have been in bed for an hour and about twenty min ago I propped the pillows up under his shoulders and head. Please answer immediately. YYYY@YYYY
2 years ago he was diagnosed with sleep apnea but symptoms of apnea has only appeared now.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
this may be chyne strokes breathing.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your situation and problem.

In my opinion, it is chyne strokes breathing. It is the sign of worsening disease. You should take him to hospital and get done ABG analysis (Arterial Blood Gas). He may have low oxygen and high carbon dioxide. Both of these are very common in sleep apnoea. And both can cause chyne strokes breathing.

So better to consult doctor and get done clinical examination and ABG if needed.

Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wishing good health to your father.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E