What Causes Shallow Breathing And Fatigue While Sleeping?

Posted on Wed, 4 May 2016

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

Wed, 4 May 2016 Answered on

Fri, 17 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have breathing problem especially during night, when trying to sleep. I experience shallow breathing and I am always fatigued some time so bad I don't want to get out of bed.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Rhinitis Medicamentosa. Nasal turbinate hypertrophy.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. If you have been regularly using Otrivin nasal drops, this leads to Rhinitis Medicamentosa.

2. The basic underlying problem usually is nasal turbinate hypertrophy and a DNS (Deviated Nasal Septum ).

3. Get a nasal examination done. Routine medication includes a two week trial with an antihistamine, an antileukotriene, nasal steroid spray and regular steam inhalation.

4. If there is no satisfactory response to medication, radiofrequency turbinate reduction helps.

5. The fatigue is usually due to poor quality if sleep due to the nasal congestion /blockage.

6. Kindly let me know the progress.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D