Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
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?
posted on
Sat, 13 Oct 2012
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 13 Oct 2012
Answered on
Thu, 19 Sep 2013
Last reviewed on
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
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
I find this answer helpful
Hi
Thanks for the query
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
Thanks for the query
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
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]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Loading Online Doctors....