waking gasping for breath

writeleft

Hi Rosbel,

Sleep Apnea can cause you to wake up gasping for air, because an apnea is an interruption in breathing, and gasping is our bodies way to get that air flowing again.

I am not sure about the problem with getting a tube down, or if that is related.

Sleep Apnea is diagnosed by having a sleep study done, and my doctor is a pulmonary specialist. During the sleep study, you spend one night at the sleep center, and you are monitored electronically, and watched by the staff. In my case, I arrived at about 10:00pm, and was done at 7 the next morning.

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, you will be fitted with a cpap machine, which will keep positive air pressure flowing into your lungs while you sleep. I hope that helps a little.

maisymouse

Please be seen by your GP and ultimately a Neurologist/Sleep Study Specialist. This sounds like classic Sleep Apnea. When you lay on your back your palate amongst other things can be soft and you have difficulty breathing. The fact that your OXY drops is another sign that you may have SA. It's not something to mess around with, and I reccomed you get it looked at when you can. Good luck and keep us posted!!

rozbel

thankyou for your replies. i have now been to see my gp and he has referred me to an ent surgeon who specialises in sleep apnoea as he thinks it might be that. i also wonder if it is anything to do with the fact that my left nostril is always blocked.

writeleft

rozbel,

I am glad you are on your way to getting yourself diagnosed properly. Please keep in touch and let us know what happens, OK?