What Causes Difficulty In Breathing While Sleeping On The Stomach?

Posted on Thu, 19 Oct 2017

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

Wed, 18 Oct 2017 Answered on

Thu, 9 Nov 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My regular GP is closed today and I have a question. lately I have been awakened during the night unable to breathe. it is happening about to two maybe three times a week now and last night was the reason for this message. I seem to I think be sleeping fine and I'm suddenly awake having to jump up and somehow Catch My Breath and then I can go back to sleep. this mainly happens when sleeping on my stomach.

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

Your symptoms could be related to gastro-esophageal reflux or sleep apnea.

Coming to this point, I would first recommend trying an antiacid or PPI (omeprazole, pantoprazole, etc.) before sleep and avoid sleeping on your stomach.

If the situation persists, despite following the above tips, I would recommend performing further tests:

- a chest X ray study and pulmonary function tests
- a resting ECG and a cardiac ultrasound
- a polysomnogram to investigate for sleep apnea.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

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