Experiencing shortness of breath while sleeping can be a sign of an underlying health problem that requires attention. This condition not only disrupts sleep quality but may also indicate more serious issues such as sleep apnea, asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, or even heart failure. Understanding the various causes of nighttime shortness of breath is essential so you can recognize the symptoms early and seek proper medical care before the condition worsens.
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Causes of Shortness of Breath While Sleeping
Here are some of the causes of shortness of breath while sleeping that you need to be aware of:
1. Asthma
Asthma occurs due to inflammation in the lungs that makes breathing difficult. Nighttime shortness of breath related to asthma may occur due to:
- Sleeping position pressing on the diaphragm
- Mucus buildup in the throat that triggers coughing and difficulty breathing
- Hormonal changes at night
- Environmental factors that trigger asthma symptoms
Asthma can also be triggered by conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
2. Allergies
Allergies can lead to allergic rhinitis, which causes postnasal drip. This irritates the throat and leads to nasal congestion, coughing, and difficulty breathing deeply.
Asthma is also closely linked to allergies. Exposure to allergens such as dust, mold, or pet dander can worsen allergy and asthma symptoms.
Open windows may also allow allergens like pollen to enter the room.
3. Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot forms in the lungs. It may also cause chest pain, coughing, and swelling. This condition can develop when you lie down for long periods, restricting blood flow.
If you suspect a pulmonary embolism, seek emergency medical help immediately.
4. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD causes narrowing or blockage of the airways, making breathing progressively more difficult.
Other symptoms may include wheezing, coughing, excess mucus production, and chest tightness. Smoking or long-term exposure to harmful chemicals is a common cause of COPD.
5. Pneumonia
Pneumonia can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi that trigger inflammation in the lungs. You may also experience flu-like symptoms, chest pain, coughing, and fatigue.
Seek medical treatment if you have a high fever, persistent shortness of breath, or a prolonged cough.
6. Heart Failure and Related Conditions
Shortness of breath is one of the most commonly reported symptoms of congestive heart failure.
This condition occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively. Heart failure can develop due to various causes, with risk factors including an unhealthy diet, diabetes, certain medications, smoking, and obesity.
Coronary artery disease (a condition that can lead to a heart attack) may also cause shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, cold sweats, nausea, and fatigue. Seek emergency care if you suspect a heart attack.
Other heart-related causes include high blood pressure, heart trauma, inflammation, or irregular heart rhythms.
7. Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which the airway becomes narrowed, leading to decreased oxygen levels. You may wake up repeatedly during the night to gasp for air, disrupting sleep quality.
You may feel breathless at night or wake up feeling tired. Morning headaches and irritability can also occur.
8. Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Anxiety or stress may contribute to nighttime shortness of breath.
Anxiety can trigger a fight-or-flight response that leads to panic attacks. During an episode, you may have trouble breathing, feel dizzy, nauseous, or as if you’re about to faint.
Consult About Your Nighttime Shortness of Breath at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
If you frequently experience shortness of breath while sleeping—whether due to asthma, allergies, pneumonia, heart failure, COPD, or airway-related problems such as snoring and airway obstruction—consult your condition at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri. With complete diagnostic facilities and a multidisciplinary team of specialists, Mandaya is ready to identify the exact cause and provide safe, accurate, and comprehensive treatment to help you breathe comfortably and sleep better.
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri also provides sleep apnea treatment using Quantum Molecular Resonance (QMR), a minimally invasive technology that uses high-frequency energy to open the airway without major incisions. QMR procedures are fast, cause minimal bleeding, offer a short recovery time, and help reduce snoring while significantly improving sleep quality.
Sleep apnea treatment at Mandaya is performed by dr. Abdillah Hasbi Assadyk, Sp.THT-KL, an ENT specialist who completed specialized training in Italy under Prof. Lino Businco, a world-renowned ENT expert who has treated international figures such as singer Andrea Bocelli and football legend Francesco Totti. With this global experience, Dr. Abdillah provides international-standard ENT care in Indonesia, particularly for patients with sleep apnea or chronic snoring that may affect long-term health.
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