Saturday, February 11, 2012

Friday, July 25, 2008 trvlgrl64 asks

Q: Waking up unable to breathe - a little wheezing....?

For the last year I've been wheezing from time to time, nothing major just a little upon exhalation. I figured it was a slight bit of athsma or allergies. My doc's never hear it as it is random.

Today I was resting and I woke up unable to breathe. I shot up and gasped for air (sounded like a sick seal) and then finally was able to get a breath. I tried to go back to sleep but had another little gasp and gave up. Now my chest is tight and I'm breathing a little shallow.

I don't have sleep apnea, do not snore. This is the first time this gasping for air has happened.

Any thoughts - how urgent is it that I see a doc (It's Friday night).

Thanks!

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Answers (2)
7/30/08 12:08am

Hi Trevor,

 

I'm just seeing this today, so hopefully if you're still having trouble breathing you have decided to see a doctor or go to the emergency room. Your symptoms definitely sound as though they could be asthma, but other conditions can have similar symptoms at times, so you really need to be diagnosed by a doctor, who can not only examine you, but also perform various tests that will tell him or her whether you do or don't have asthma.

 

I wouldn't delay on this. Breathing problems that go untreated can get out of control and can be life-threatening.

 

To your health,

Kathi

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12/ 3/09 7:57pm

Hi, Trevor

 

I don't know if you're still around, but this has been happening to me on occasion for a couple of years.  It finally got bad enough that I went to the doctor today and he said I have asthma (hence my internet searching).  He also said I'm lucky that it stopped on its own each time, or it could be fatal. 

 

I hope this lets you know  that you're not alone, and I hope you are doing better.

 

 

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