What causes nocturnal coughing and shortness of breath. How can anxiety affect your sleep patterns. Is excess mucus production linked to nighttime breathing difficulties. Can asthma attacks occur during sleep. How do lifestyle factors impact sleep quality and breathing.

The Hidden Impact of Anxiety on Your Sleep

Anxiety disorders can profoundly affect sleep quality, with an estimated 70% of sufferers experiencing difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. While many associate anxiety with daytime symptoms, it’s crucial to understand that anxiety can manifest during sleep as well.

Can anxiety cause nocturnal breathing difficulties? Yes, anxiety-induced panic attacks can occur during sleep, leading to symptoms such as:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Accelerated breathing
• Excessive sweating
• Waking up short of breath

These nocturnal anxiety episodes can result in awakening with a sense of breathlessness, though not necessarily accompanied by coughing or choking sensations.

The Role of Excess Mucus in Nighttime Breathing Issues

Mucus production plays a vital role in our respiratory health, but excessive amounts can lead to breathing difficulties, especially during sleep. Under normal circumstances, mucus travels down the throat and into the stomach throughout the day. However, when there’s an overproduction of mucus due to allergies or a cold, it can accumulate in the throat, causing various issues.

How does excess mucus affect your sleep? Excessive mucus can lead to:

• Breathing difficulties while awake or asleep
• Bad breath
• Sore throat
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Waking up coughing

If you frequently experience these symptoms, it may be worthwhile to consult a healthcare professional to address the underlying cause of excess mucus production.

Nocturnal Asthma: A Hidden Culprit Behind Nighttime Breathing Troubles

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway constriction due to inflammation and mucus buildup. While many are familiar with daytime asthma symptoms, it’s less known that asthma attacks can occur during sleep.

What triggers nocturnal asthma? Several factors can contribute to nighttime asthma attacks:

• Allergens in the bedroom environment
• Cold room temperatures
• Natural circadian rhythms affecting lung function

Symptoms of nocturnal asthma may include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, potentially disrupting sleep and leading to daytime fatigue. If you suspect you may be experiencing nocturnal asthma, it’s essential to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare provider to develop an appropriate management plan.

The Impact of Blue Light Exposure on Sleep Quality

In our modern, technology-driven world, exposure to blue light from electronic devices has become increasingly prevalent. This exposure can significantly impact our sleep patterns and overall sleep quality.

How does blue light affect sleep? Blue light exposure, particularly in the evening hours, can:

• Disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm
• Inhibit the production of melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone
• Make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep

To mitigate the effects of blue light on your sleep, consider implementing the following strategies:

1. Avoid exposure to blue light-emitting devices at least one hour before bedtime
2. Use blue light filters on your electronic devices
3. Wear blue light blocking glasses in the evening

By reducing your exposure to blue light in the hours leading up to sleep, you may find it easier to fall asleep and maintain uninterrupted sleep throughout the night.

Caffeine Consumption and Its Effects on Sleep Patterns

Caffeine is a widely consumed stimulant that can have significant impacts on sleep quality when consumed too close to bedtime. Understanding the relationship between caffeine intake and sleep can help improve overall sleep hygiene.

How does caffeine affect sleep? Caffeine consumption can:

• Stimulate brain activity, making it difficult to fall asleep
• Interfere with the ability to stay asleep throughout the night
• Reduce overall sleep quality and duration

To minimize the impact of caffeine on your sleep, consider the following recommendations:

1. Limit caffeine intake to no more than two 8 oz servings per day
2. Avoid consuming caffeine within 6 hours of your planned bedtime
3. Be aware of hidden sources of caffeine, such as chocolate or certain medications

By moderating your caffeine consumption and timing it appropriately, you can help ensure that it doesn’t interfere with your ability to achieve restful sleep.

The Connection Between Smoking and Sleep Disturbances

Smoking is not only detrimental to overall health but can also significantly impact sleep quality. The nicotine in cigarettes acts as a stimulant, affecting the body’s ability to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

How does smoking affect sleep? Nicotine can:

• Increase alertness and make it harder to fall asleep
• Lead to more frequent nighttime awakenings
• Reduce overall sleep quality

It’s important to note that quitting smoking can also temporarily affect sleep patterns as the body adjusts to the absence of nicotine. However, the long-term benefits of quitting far outweigh any short-term sleep disturbances.

If you’re a smoker looking to improve your sleep quality, consider the following steps:

1. Develop a plan to quit smoking with the help of a healthcare professional
2. Avoid smoking close to bedtime
3. Explore nicotine replacement therapies that may have less impact on sleep

Alcohol Consumption and Its Impact on Sleep Quality

While alcohol is often perceived as a sleep aid due to its initial sedative effects, it can actually have detrimental impacts on overall sleep quality and duration. Understanding how alcohol affects sleep cycles can help individuals make informed decisions about their drinking habits.

How does alcohol affect sleep? Alcohol consumption can:

• Suppress REM sleep during the first two sleep cycles
• Create an imbalance between slow-wave sleep and REM sleep
• Lead to sleep disruptions and shorter sleep duration
• Cause insomnia and middle-of-the-night awakenings

The effects of alcohol on sleep are due to how the liver metabolizes alcohol as it circulates through the body. This process can impact the various stages of the sleep cycle, leading to poor sleep quality even if you fall asleep quickly after drinking.

To minimize the impact of alcohol on your sleep, consider the following tips:

1. Limit alcohol consumption, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime
2. Stay hydrated by drinking water alongside alcoholic beverages
3. Allow sufficient time between your last drink and going to bed

Understanding Sleep Apnea: A Serious Sleep Disorder

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing during sleep. These pauses can last for a few seconds and occur multiple times throughout the night, leading to significant fluctuations in blood oxygen levels.

What are the types of sleep apnea? The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where breathing is disrupted by a blockage of airflow. However, there are other types, such as central sleep apnea and complex sleep apnea syndrome.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Waking up gasping for air
• Daytime drowsiness
• Morning headaches
• Frequent nighttime urination
• Loud snoring
• Waking up choking or with shortness of breath

It’s crucial to seek medical attention if you suspect you have sleep apnea, as untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of various health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and obesity.

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

How can sleep apnea be diagnosed? The definitive way to diagnose sleep apnea is through a sleep test. Here’s the general process:

1. Consult with a physician about your symptoms
2. Get a referral for a sleep test
3. Complete a home sleep test or participate in an in-lab sleep study
4. Have the results analyzed by a sleep specialist
5. Receive a diagnosis and treatment plan

Many services now offer home sleep tests, making it more convenient to get diagnosed. Once you complete the test, a physician will review your data and provide a diagnosis of your sleep condition.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

While Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are a common treatment for sleep apnea, they’re not the only option. Your local dentist may also be able to provide alternative treatments, such as oral appliances designed to keep the airway open during sleep.

Other potential treatment options for sleep apnea may include:

• Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss or positional therapy
• Surgical interventions to remove obstructions
• Nerve stimulation therapies
• Combination therapies using multiple approaches

The most appropriate treatment will depend on the severity of your sleep apnea and your individual health circumstances. It’s essential to work closely with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

Developing a Comprehensive Approach to Better Sleep

Addressing nighttime coughing, gasping, or breathing difficulties often requires a multifaceted approach. By considering various factors that can impact sleep quality and respiratory function, individuals can work towards achieving more restful and rejuvenating sleep.

What steps can you take to improve your sleep quality? Consider the following comprehensive approach:

1. Evaluate your sleep environment for potential allergens or irritants
2. Practice good sleep hygiene, including maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
3. Limit exposure to blue light in the evening hours
4. Moderate caffeine and alcohol consumption, especially near bedtime
5. Quit smoking or avoid nicotine use close to bedtime
6. Manage stress and anxiety through relaxation techniques or therapy
7. Consult with healthcare professionals about persistent symptoms
8. Consider a sleep study if you suspect a sleep disorder like sleep apnea

By addressing these various aspects of sleep health, you can work towards minimizing nighttime breathing difficulties and improving overall sleep quality. Remember that everyone’s sleep needs and challenges are unique, so it may take some time and experimentation to find the right combination of strategies that work best for you.

The Importance of Professional Guidance in Addressing Sleep Issues

While many sleep-related issues can be improved through lifestyle changes and self-care practices, it’s crucial to recognize when professional medical guidance is necessary. Persistent sleep disturbances, especially those involving breathing difficulties, warrant attention from healthcare providers.

When should you seek professional help for sleep issues? Consider consulting a healthcare professional if you experience:

• Chronic insomnia or difficulty staying asleep
• Frequent nighttime awakenings, especially if gasping for air
• Loud, persistent snoring
• Daytime fatigue that impacts your daily functioning
• Symptoms suggestive of sleep apnea or other sleep disorders

Healthcare providers can offer valuable insights, perform necessary diagnostic tests, and recommend appropriate treatments tailored to your specific situation. They may also be able to identify underlying health conditions contributing to your sleep issues that require additional attention.

Remember, quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. By taking a proactive approach to addressing sleep disturbances and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can work towards achieving more restful and rejuvenating sleep, leading to improved daytime functioning and better overall health.

4 Reasons You Gasp for Air at Night

Anxiety can affect the body in several strange ways, and one of them is sleep. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, an estimated 70 percent of people with anxiety disorders have trouble falling asleep and trouble staying asleep. Many who have anxiety experience panic attacks, which can lead to rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, and sweating, but what many don’t know is that these can occur during sleep, as well. It’s common for waking up short of breath but not necessarily coughing or choking.

The general route for mucus produced during the day is down the throat and into the stomach. However, if there is an excess of mucus caused by allergies or a cold, this could build in a person’s throat causing breathing difficulties while awake or sleeping. Other symptoms include bad breath, a sore throat, or a bad taste in the mouth. If there’s too much mucus in your throat, you might have experienced waking up coughing.

Asthma is a condition that causes your airways to become constricted by mucus and inflammation, which can make breathing difficult and could trigger coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Like anxiety attacks, many people don’t know that you can experience asthma attacks while sleeping. There are many potential triggers for nocturnal (nighttime) asthma, such as allergens or keeping your room too cold at night. But it may also be related to your body’s natural daily cycles.

If you watch TV or use any electronics with blue light, it can affect your sleep. Exposure to blue light can interrupt your internal body clock by blocking your body from producing melatonin to make you feel sleepy. For best results, avoid exposure to blue lights an hour before going to bed. Otherwise, you might have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. You can also turn on a blue light filter on your device or wear blue light glasses to help reduce exposure.

Drinking caffeine too close to bedtime can also prevent you from falling asleep or staying asleep. Caffeine stimulates the brain and when you try to go to sleep after consuming it, your brain might not cooperate with your wishes. As a result, you might find it hard to fall asleep and if you do fall asleep you can easily wake up in the middle of the night. For best results, limit your caffeine consumption to two 8 oz servings per day and never within 6 hours of bedtime.

Another factor that can affect your sleep is smoking. It’s not the tobacco but the nicotine in cigarettes that stimulates the brain. Nicotine can instantly make you feel more awake if you smoke before bedtime. If you’re quitting smoking, you can also experience insomnia and sleeping problems as your body detoxes itself.

Alcohol and good sleep do not go hand in hand. When you consume alcohol, the liver metabolizes the alcohol slowly as it circulates around the body. The effects of alcohol can impact the stages of sleep cycles. Each sleep cycle goes through the four stages, but when you drink alcohol, the effects suppress REM during the first two sleep cycles. This can cause people to fall into a deep sleep quickly and then create an imbalance of slow wave sleep and REM sleep which results in sleep disruptions and shorter sleep duration. Drinking alcohol can also result in insomnia which can result in waking up in the middle of the night.

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing during sleep. Generally, these pauses last only a few seconds but can occur multiple times a night (sometimes hundreds), causing blood oxygen levels to fluctuate dramatically. The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. In OSA, breathing is disrupted by a blockage of airflow.

Besides waking up in the middle of the night gasping for air, other symptoms of sleep apnea include daytime drowsiness, morning headaches, frequent nighttime urination, and snoring. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it’s advised that you see a doctor as soon as possible. It’s also normal for those suffering from sleep apnea to experience waking up choking or shortness of breath. When left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and can even make it more difficult to lose weight.

So how do you know if you have sleep apnea? First off, look to see if you experience any other symptoms. If you have any of the symptoms we listed above, you need to find a physician who can refer you to take a sleep test. There are many services online that will send you a home sleep test. Once you return the test back to the physician, they will review your data and diagnose your sleep condition. The only way to know for sure if you have sleep apnea is with a sleep test.

While most treatments for sleep apnea include a CPAP machine, your Wilmington dentist can help you treat sleep apnea without a breathing mask. To learn more about possible sleep apnea treatments, please call (910) 392-6060 for an appointment at Kuzma Advanced Dentistry in Wilmington, NC today.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms & Signs

Do you often get woken up in the middle of the night by a severe coughing fit? Does your sleeping partner complain about your loud snoring? Restless nights and not getting enough hours of sleep are so normalized in our fast-paced world that bad sleeping patterns may not seem out of the ordinary. However, nighttime coughing fits and loud snoring may be signs you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder that causes your breathing to repeatedly stop and start while you sleep. Out of the different types of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea is the most common. It occurs when your throat muscles intermittently relax, collapsing the airway during sleep and blocking normal breathing. Loud snoring is one of the more obvious obstructive sleep apnea symptoms, but there are other signs to look out for.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms

If you experience one or more of these symptoms listed below, there is a chance you are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

• Loud snoring
• Abrupt awakening accompanied by gasping or choking
• Periods of stopped breathing during sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Nighttime sweating
• Difficulty concentrating during the day
• Mood changes such as depression or irritability
• High blood pressure
• Decreased libido

Consult with your doctor on how to get a diagnosis and the different methods of treatment for sleep apnea if you are experiencing the following:

1. Your snoring is disturbing you and your sleeping partner’s sleep
2. Regularly waking up gasping or choking
3. You stop breathing intermittently during sleep
4. Excessive daytime drowsiness causes you to fall asleep at work or while driving

How to Get an Obstructive Sleep Apnea Diagnosis

In order to be diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, you will need to consult with your doctor. They will make an evaluation based on your signs and symptoms as well as the results of some tests. If they think its necessary, they may refer you to a sleep specialist for further evaluation.

With a physical examination, your doctor will look at the back of your throat, mouth, and nose to check for extra tissues or other abnormalities. They may also check your blood pressure, your weight, and your neck circumference. A sleep specialist will conduct additional evaluations in order to reach an obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis, which can include multiple tests.

• Polysomnography (PSG).This sleep study hooks you up to equipment to monitor your heart, lung, and brain activity, breathing patterns, leg and arm movements, and blood oxygen levels while you sleep. Conducted as a full-night study or split-night study at a sleep lab, a polysomnography test can diagnosis you with OSA and help rule out other sleep disorders.
• Home Sleep Testing (HST). Depending on the circumstances, your doctor might provide you with a version of the sleep test that you can do at home. This test measures airflow, breathing patterns, blood oxygen levels, limb movements, and snoring intensity.

Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea

After being diagnosed with OSA, there are several treatment methods your doctor may suggest. Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, regularly exercising, and quitting cigarettes are often recommended. If these changes don’t improve your sleep, there are a few therapies your doctor can recommend. Positive airway pressure, also known as CPAP therapy, is the most common, while surgery is the most extreme option.

For those who can’t tolerate CPAP or want to avoid the bulky machines, masks, and hoses, expiratory positive airway pressure or EPAP therapy is an effective CPAP alternative. Those who want to try EPAP should consider the Bongo RX. The Bongo RX is a reusable sleep apnea nasal device that delivers convenient and effective EPAP therapy wherever you fall asleep. It is FDA-cleared to treat mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

To learn more about the Bongo RX, obstructive sleep apnea symptoms, and other sleep apnea treatments, contact AirAvant Medical. If you suffer from mild to moderate OSA, ask your doctor about Bongo Rx today!

Heart Failure Warning Signs and Symptoms

At Bethesda Heart Hospital, we want to keep you and your loved one informed of the warning signs and symptoms of heart failure.  If you or someone with you has shortness of breath, especially with one of more of the following signs or symptoms, CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY.

Heart Failure Warning Signs and Symptoms

• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Feel bloated after eating only small amounts
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Swelling in ankles and legs
• Tiredness
• Wake up gasping for air
• Weight gain
• Unable to do usual daily activities without fatigue

How Do I Know if I Have Heart Failure?

A doctor who has studied the results of several tests must diagnose heart failure. The doctor will:

• Review the patient’s complete medical history
• Give a physical examination
• Use an EKG or electrocardiogram to discover any abnormalities caused by damage to the heart.  An EKG is a medical device that makes a graphical record of the heart’s electrical activity.
• Use an x-ray of the chest to evaluate the heart and lungs, as well as the great vessels, like the aorta.  This will help the doctor determine if there is fluid in the lungs, enlargement of the heart or if other problems exist like structural abnormalities in the great vessels, such as an aneurysm.
• In some cases, the doctor will use a blood test to detect abnormal levels of certain enzymes in the bloodstream.  These tests confirm (or refute) suspicions raised in the early stages of evaluation that may occur in an emergency room, intensive care unit or urgent care setting.  These tests are called cardiac markers and BNP or B-type natriuretic peptide.
• In certain cases, the doctor will use an echocardiogram to evaluate the mechanical and structural function of the heart.  An echocardiogram of the heart is commonly called an ultrasound of the heart and maybe be performed under the stress of exercise while the patient is on a treadmill or stationary bicycle.  If a patient is unable to exercise on a treadmill or bike the doctor may choose to do a chemical stress test by where a special chemical stressor, such as dobutamine, is injected into an IV and the echocardiogram is then performed. 

If you think you may be in heart failure, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Why Am I Waking Up Gasping For Air?

Waking up gasping for air is a frightening but common occurrence. Here are the most common causes for this phenomenon.

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious medical condition. It occurs when the soft tissues in your throat relax, which can close your airway and cause a temporarily stop to breathing (apneic episode). The result is usually an abrupt disturbance to sleep or an actual awakening, often accompanied by gasping or choking. Other symptoms of OSA include snoring, daytime fatigue, a dry mouth or sore throat, morning headaches, difficulty focusing while awake, low moods, and high blood pressure.

OSA is more common for people with excess weight, smokers, those with diabetes or asthma. It may also occur more frequently for those with naturally narrow airways (certain facial shapes or features), high blood pressure, nasal congestion (often secondary to nasal deformity), those drinking alcohol and in males.

If you suspect you have OSA, talk to your doctor or a sleep specialist right away.

2. Postnasal drip

Postnasal drip occurs when mucus from your nose drips into your throat, which can make you feel congested, and make you want to cough or clear your throat. If enough mucus makes its way to your throat, it can block it completely and cause you to temporarily stop breathing while sleeping, leaving you gasping for air.

This condition has a large number of potential causes, including colds, allergies, inflammation, a deviated septum, changing weather, particular foods, and certain medications.

3. Nocturnal asthma

Asthma inflames the airways, causing them to tighten and make breathing more difficult. If you’ve been diagnosed with asthma, and you find yourself gasping for air during the night, this may be the cause.

4. Anxiety

If you become intensely anxious while sleeping, you may find yourself gasping for air. This is epitomised in popular culture when people wake up from bad dreams.

If anxiety is the reason that you’re waking up gasping for air, you might also be sweating, chilly, have chest pain, a feeling of faintness, and even a sense of impending doom. If you feel you have problems with anxiety, have a chat with your doctor.

5. Acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease)

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid or bile flows into the food pipe, irritating the lining. When this flows up to the larynx or throat, it can cause the person to wake up gasping for breath.

Acid reflux may also be accompanied by symptoms of heartburn, bad breath, enamel erosion of the teeth, and a chronic sore throat.

6. Hypnic jerk

A hypnic jerk is an involuntary twitching of muscles that happens while falling asleep. They can cause you to jolt and waken abruptly—a potentially frightening experience that can also make you gasp for air.

Hypnic jerks are nothing to worry about, although they might be made worse by anxiety, caffeine, lack of sleep, or an irregular sleep schedule.

7. Pulmonary edema (wet lung)

Pulmonary edema is caused by excess fluid in the lungs, and is usually caused by a heart condition. The accumulation of fluid can make it difficult to breathe, which can cause you to wake up gasping for air.

The condition can also be accompanied by shortness of breath, wheezing, sudden anxiety, chest pain, and a cough that produces a frothy spit. If you suspect you have this condition, consult your doctor immediately.

8. Heart failure

Heart failure occurs when our hearts can’t effectively pump blood, as a result of abnormal heart valves or coronary artery disease. Difficulty breathing is a common symptom of heart failure, which can cause you to gasp for air in the middle of the night. If you’re also experiencing chest pain, extreme fatigue, or swelling in the legs, get medical attention immediately.

When do I need to seek help?

If the gasping for air occurs infrequently, without other symptoms (like chest pain or sustained shortness of breath), and you can get back to sleep quickly, then this may be normal and may not require further investigation.

However, recurrent gasping episodes or occurrence with other symptoms should be reviewed with a doctor.

Any episode chest pain or ongoing shortness of breath deserves immediate medical attention.

If an underlying cause is identified, then treatment is available to allow a return to restful uninterrupted sleep.

Six Signs You May Have Sleep Apnea

1. Do you snore? Snoring is a primary indicator and the most common symptom of sleep apnea. Although snoring does not always equal sleep apnea, it’s worth taking that trip to see your doctor to get evaluated. Many times the “snorer” doesn’t notice his/her snoring, so it’s important for your bed partner or loved one to make you aware. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder and it’s better to be proactive about your health!

1. Do you gasp for air during your sleep? If you’re gasping for air, it means you’re trying to catch your breath because your breathing stopped. Sleep apnea is the blockage of your airway during sleep so gasping for air is a clear a symptom of sleep apnea. This causes you to wake up periodically throughout the night feeling a shortness of breath and you remain tired when you wake up.

1. Are you tired during the day? Yes, I know what you’re thinking…feeling tired is something we all experience with our busy lives. It’s a common feeling, but that doesn’t mean it’s not something that we should ignore. If you wake up overly tired most times you may be experiencing a symptom of sleep apnea. It’s definitely worth discussing this with your doctor so you can be properly evaluated and receive a proper diagnosis. Take a self-quiz to assess your daytime sleepiness with our interactive Epworth Sleepiness Scale!

1. You just can’t sleep, right? If this is the case, you have insomnia. Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep and stay asleep. You find yourself doing everything possible to fall asleep; you toss and turn, and if you snore, gasp for air, or wake up choking it makes the situation worse. If you find it impossible to get into a deep sleep, you should raise these concerns to your doctor. It may be more than just a “sleepless night.”

1. Do you experience mood changes? I don’t blame you! If I couldn’t sleep and was constantly tired, I would be in a bad mood myself! When you have untreated sleep apnea, it makes sleeping very difficult. When you can’t sleep you often find yourself irritable, forgetful and it’s difficult to concentrate. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to more severe mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. If you experience mood changes, it’s important to follow up with your doctor for a professional opinion.

1. Suffer from morning headaches? Many individuals who suffer from sleep apnea complain of headaches in the morning. When you experience frequent pauses in your breathing throughout the night the oxygen levels in your brain stay low which causes pain. If you experience morning headaches frequently it’s best to see your physician to discuss any underlying causes.

Fortunately, sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated. There are several treatment options available that can be discussed with your physician.

If you suspect you are experiencing sleep apnea, discuss your concerns and symptoms with your physician. If the physician feels a home sleep study is appropriate we will be able to assist you with an in-home sleep study sent right to your door!

Call us at (888)425-8988 or email our team at info@homesleepllc. com for more information or to get started!

Management of Nighttime Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Shortness of Breath at Night | Causes & Signs | Molekule Blog

Are you waking up suddenly in the middle of the night and feeling short of breath? Shortness of breath has different medical causes, but the surprising truth is that your environment may be playing a part, especially if you have asthma that is triggered by common allergens in your home. If you have difficulty breathing when lying down, you should see your doctor. Please note that this article is only about recurring symptoms*, and if you have breathing difficulty that comes on suddenly or seriously interferes with your breathing, then you should seriously consider going to the emergency room or calling 911.

In this article, read more about why you may have shortness of breath at night and learn possible solutions to try on your own after talking with your physician.

Shortness of breath at night can be made worse by common irritants in the air like pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander and secondhand smoke.

What can cause shortness of breath?

You may have shortness of breath for a variety of reasons, such as heart disease if your heart cannot pump enough blood to supply oxygen to your body. Other causes might be problems with the lungs, the airways leading to the lungs, and the heart, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). The official medical term for the sensation of difficult or uncomfortable breathing is dyspnea.

You may feel breathless even though there is no medical problem, such as after mild exercise. If you are hearing a high-pitched sound when you breathe out, that is called wheezing. Ultimately, if you are experiencing shortness of breath, you should see your physician.

Here are some more details (not a substitute for medical advice nor an exhaustive list) from the NLM about medical reasons for why you may experience shortness of breath in general.

1) Shortness of breath because of problems with the lungs, such as:

• Blood clot
• Swelling and mucus buildup
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Pneumonia
• High blood pressure
• Other lung disease

2) Problems with the airways that lead to the lungs, which may cause shortness of breath:

• Air passages in your nose, mouth, or throat are blocked
• Choking because of something that is stuck in the airways
• Swelling around the vocal cords
• Asthma

3) Shortness of breath because of problems with the heart that may include:

• Chest pain because of poor blood flow through the heart’s blood vessels
• Heart attack
• Heart defects from birth
• Heart failure
• Heart rhythm disturbance

4) Other causes for shortness of breath may include:

• Allergies
• High altitudes where there is less oxygen in the air
• Dust in the environment
• Emotional distress, like anxiety
• Panic attacks

What can cause shortness of breath at night?

If you are waking up with shortness of breath at night, this is not normal. One potential cause is a condition called paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND), according to the NLM. This condition will cause you to wake up suddenly during the night and feel short of breath. You might even awaken and find yourself coughing or wheezing. PND could be caused by congestive heart failure or COPD.

General breathing difficulty while lying down (called orthopnea) is when you have trouble breathing normally while lying flat. To breathe comfortably, you would need to raise your head (e.g., with many pillows). This general problem is common for people with some types of heart or lung problems.

Causes for shortness of breath while lying down may include:

• COPD
• Cor pulmonale (when the right side of the heart fails)
• Heart failure
• Panic disorder
• Sleep apnea
• Snoring

The above reasons relate to why you could be experience difficulty breathing when lying down in general. These reasons may also be why you may be waking up suddenly in the middle of the night feeling short of breath (as mentioned above, this is called PND). PND often happens after one or two hours of sleep, and is usually relieved by coming to an upright position.

However, one common reason for these symptoms—asthma—has not been discussed yet in this article.

Indoor irritants and pollutants that may be triggering your symptoms at night. Learn more about a new technology that can destroy these pollutants.

How is asthma related to shortness of breath?

The truth is that recurring episodes of sudden shortness of breath at night or in the early morning hours is an important sign of asthma (Ukena, Fishman & Niebling, 2008). Other symptoms include cough and wheezing. Research has found that if you have frequent nighttime asthma symptoms, the more severe your asthma might be (Lanier & Nayak, 2015). This may also mean your asthma is poorly controlled.

Asthma is a disease that causes the air passages of the lung to swell, making the airway more narrow. This can lead to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. When an asthma attack happens, the lining of the airways swell and the muscles that surround the airways become tight, which reduces the amount of air that can pass through.

If you have sensitive airways, your asthma symptoms could be triggered by breathing in substances called allergens. And when you are home at night, certain indoor air pollutants that are also allergens might trigger asthma symptoms in some people.

Common asthma triggers (which are also indoor air pollutants) could include:

• Pet hair or dander
• Dust mites
• Mold
• Pollen
• Tobacco smoke

The common allergens above could be floating in the air inside your home, and breathing them in may aggravate your symptoms if you have asthma.

Can outdoor air pollution cause shortness of breath?

You may live in an area with a high level of air pollution, such as near a busy street. If so, you may want to monitor when air pollution levels are high through AirNow. Research has shown that levels of pollutants (particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide) may be linked to people’s symptoms of wheezing and shortness of breath (Doiron et al., 2017). It has also been found that older adults, as well as people with asthma, are at an increased risk for the adverse health effects of air pollution.

This idea that outdoor air pollution can worsen asthma and shortness of breath has been known for decades. According to the EPA, air pollution can make it harder to breathe and can cause symptoms like coughing, wheezing, chest discomfort, and a burning feeling in the lungs. The main air pollutants that may affect asthma are ozone and particulate matter. When there are high levels of both, those with asthma are more likely to have symptoms, especially older adults and children.

What are some environmental measures to try for shortness of breath at night?

If you do have shortness of breath at night, you should first talk to your doctor about the problem. If you or a family member has asthma, a physician may suggest changes in the environment to reduce allergens in the air. Common asthma triggers in your bedroom could be dust mite allergens, airborne mold/mildew spores, or dust. Another allergen could be pet dander if pets are allowed in the bedroom.

An important way to reduce levels of common allergens in the bedroom is to prevent the buildup of contaminants like dust and mold as much as possible. For dust mite allergens, you can try using allergen-friendly covers for mattresses and pillows. If you have a child, you can try special steps to improve your child’s bedroom if they have asthma. Another way to reduce levels of allergens in your bedroom is to provide adequate ventilation, if possible.

Can an air purifier help with shortness of breath at night?

If your shortness of breath at night is related to levels of allergens in the air, using an air purifier while sleeping may help. This is true for adults as well as children who suffer from asthma. Research (Sublett, 2011) has shown that using an air purifier placed right by the bed in the “sleep breathing zone” can be beneficial.

Most air purifiers trap allergens on filters, but a newer technology is able to destroy them from the air. This technology, called Photo Electrochemical Oxidation, can break down pollutants to clean the air. This can be important when you want clean air in the bedroom, as recirculation of dust or mold from a saturated filter would not be beneficial.

After discussing with your doctor, taking these environmental measures may help with shortness of breath at night and help improve indoor air quality. Uninterrupted sleep can help you wake up feeling more refreshed and at ease, and in general reduce anxiety about any difficulties with breathing.

*The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.

90,000 The worst – nocturnal coughing fits – a patient with Covid-19 / Article

November 3, 2020, 7:07

How it is to be sick with Covid-19 is best told only by the patients themselves. 44-year-old Kristaps writes about the disease on the social network Twitter, thousands of people follow his stay in the ward of the Latvian Infectology Center.The publicity also bore fruit – after Kristap’s messages on Twitter, a special key was made for him to open the oxygen cylinder – according to his own sketch.

CONTACTS

Information about the coronavirus and epidemic in Latvia can be obtained by calling toll-free number 8345 (around the clock).
For all non-emergency questions regarding the Covid-19 coronavirus, you can call the Center for Disease Prevention and Control ( 67387661) on weekdays from 8:30 to 17:00, on weekends the phone is closed . If a Latvian who has been in contact with a patient with Covid-19 and is in quarantine has symptoms that make it possible to suspect Covid-19, you need to call 8303 from 9:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, from 9:00 until 15:00 on Saturdays and from 9:00 to 12:00 on Sundays.
All information about Covid-19 in Latvia is collected on a special website, which also has Russian version .

All messages
on topic “ Coronavirus Covid-19 ”

“At the very line of the Covid front.”This is the most popular Twitter post of Covid-19 Kristaps.

“Tweeting was and still is my life. It’s fun to chat with your friends in a bubble and quarrel with strangers, ”said Kristaps.

He contracted the infection from his son, who is studying at Natalia Draudzini’s secondary school in Riga. The son had no symptoms. Covid-19 fell ill and the life partner of Kristaps, but she managed to transfer the illness at home. Kristaps did not have fever for a long time.

“One evening became critical.I had a temperature of 38 degrees. And I started to shake atypically. I usually sweat at large temperature fluctuations. And here it was difficult for me to hold the mug in my hands, I was shaking all over, ”the patient recalls.

Kristaps called an ambulance to take him to the hospital. The hardest part is from the nocturnal coughing fits.

“This cobbled cough … it is such that it interferes with the rhythm of breathing. You don’t have time to breathe. He trains you all the time with such a cough 30 times in a row. And the hardest part is at night, when these fits of coughing lift you up, ”said Kristaps.

For two days now he has not woken up at night from coughing. According to optimistic forecasts, Kristaps will be able to leave the hospital in ten days. But he himself is not in a hurry with predictions yet, taking into account the fact that recovery will take place gradually even after discharge.

People who ignore restrictions in connection with Covid-19, Kristaps compares with violators of traffic rules.

“These people should be punished. The news should report how many have been fined for breaking the rules, how many companies have been fined for violating the rules, who is happy with something in the clubs. [..] They will understand only through the prism of money, ”the man said.

By the way, Kristaps’ activity on the Internet had a tangible result. He showed on Twitter how difficult it is to disconnect an oxygen tank by pressing hard on an awkward button. He drew a sketch of a key that would help him with this task, and 3D printing company 3D Baltic promised to make it.

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Features of cough in children | Bronchipret®

Peculiarities of cough in children

Among the symptoms of acute viral infections, it is children’s cough that scares parents. Why is this happening, how dangerous is an acute cough in children and how to cope with it?

What’s going on?

It is easy to understand the anxiety of parents: often coughing, even being a companion of “ordinary” ARVI, is given to children quite hard.They do not always know how to cough up phlegm correctly, at a young age they can get scared of the coughing fits themselves, often wake up at night, accumulate lack of sleep and be capricious because of a broken regime and poor health …

In addition, cough in children has important physiological characteristics. Firstly, due to age-related weakness of the respiratory muscles, it is more difficult for babies to cough productively, that is, to raise sputum from the bronchial area to the oral cavity and cough it up correctly.

Second, ineffective coughing can lead to accumulation of phlegm in the airways.That, in turn, can create favorable conditions for the reproduction of harmful microorganisms and the occurrence of unpleasant complications and inflammatory processes.

How to proceed?

For this, you can choose the herbal medicine – Bronchipret® syrup, which is suitable for the treatment of unproductive and wet cough ^{1-5, 7-11} . There is no need to guess whether it is necessary to thin the phlegm, whether the child’s cough is sufficiently moist. You can give one remedy in all situations – Bronchipret®, which is actually two drugs for the treatment of cough in one.

Bronchipret contains two active active ingredients: extract of thyme herb and ivy leaves, which have a complex effect on the bronchi. It helps to reduce the frequency and pain of coughing attacks ^1-3 , as it has an anti-inflammatory effect ^5.13 , which is especially important in acute coughing. With a wet cough, it helps to relieve bronchospasm and remove phlegm from the respiratory tract ^5.13 .

It is important to note that Bronchipret does not contain dyes and flavors, and is also a drug, that is, it has passed all the necessary studies, has a good evidence base ^1-12 and is approved for use from 1 year of age of a child ¹³ . This herbal preparation, which in its homeland, Germany, is included in the clinical guidelines for the treatment of cough ⁴ .

How to calm a cough

(Article from the journal “Homeopathy Today”, National Center for Homeopathy, USA, no. 1, vol. 29, February 2009, pp. 24-26) Pearlin Goodman-Herrick, medical practitioner, member of the Homeopathic Academy of Natural Medicine

Wherever You are not during the winter season, you probably see a lot of people coughing.While an acute cough is not always serious, it often sounds creepy! The cough can be painful, interrupt sleep, prolonged prolonged periods of time, and generally exhaust the sufferer. Croup, barking coughs and allergic coughs can even be life threatening in some cases, especially for very young children. Children can be especially prone to coughing and this is frustrating for their parents, who have an extremely uncomfortable feeling of seeing their children suffer. The Narcotic Drugs Control and Food Protection Administration recently issued a warning about the dangers of common cough use of “cold” medicines for children under 2 years of age, and the American Academy of Pediatrics has warned of the dangerous use of these medicines for children under 6 years of age. since they have been shown to be ineffective for children and can cause serious side effects.Where can parents go? Homeopathy offers safe, effective cough relief and cure for generations. Armed with a homeopathic self-care kit and some reference books, moms and dads can successfully help their children find relief from simple coughs and other acute illnesses and help cure their own chronic illnesses. And if the family has a professional homeopathic physician to advise when the disease becomes acute, so much the better. Collection of information… Helping patients with acute coughs, however, can sometimes be challenging even for a homeopath. Asking patients about the symptoms of their cough does not always lead to the designation of overt symptoms that can easily help us choose a remedy. We ask “Dry cough or coughing up?” They answer: “You know, partly – with expectoration, partly – dry.” We clarify, “When is the cough worse?” They say, “I don’t know.” Their vague answers do not give us clear information on the choice of any particular remedy. As observers and practitioners, we cannot see anything definite about the cough. However, what may seem complex and uncertain at first can become quite manageable and clear when using a consistent approach to prescribing homeopathic cough remedies. A clear method: 2 categories 1. First, we must find out the characteristic symptoms of a cough. Therefore, we question the patient meticulously, trying to understand what in his cough is remarkable, or perhaps very indicative of a certain remedy or group of remedies.If so, we prescribe a remedy that best addresses these cough symptoms, and in most cases, the patient feels better. 2. However, if a cough has unremarkable, general, indescribable symptoms, as is often the case, we are not limited in our choice of remedies. Instead, we can tailor the remedy to cure the cough by focusing on other symptoms of the patient, perhaps physical, mental-emotional, or general. Considering cases of cough in this way, we will achieve a high treatment result.Just one note: when we look at patients with coughs, we must “follow” the “beyond thinking” reasoning about cough remedies, not looking for purely homeopathic remedies that are noted for their use in the treatment of coughs (e. g. Coccus cacti, Drosera or Scuilla). While the remedy that will produce a curative effect may be one of these remedies, it can also be any of thousands of other homeopathic remedies – as long as the remedy matches the symptoms of the case.Disturbing cough As an example of the first category, consider the case of 18-year-old Doreen. She came to me for help with a cough that developed after an upper respiratory infection. The cough bothered her very much, because it was frequent and strong. By the time she arrived, he had bothered her for at least five days and was getting much worse. Her cough was like sudden fits that forced her to sit upright. These coughing fits tormented her day and night, preventing her from getting enough sleep.Most often, she experienced an itchy feeling in her chest at first. Since Doreen’s cough symptoms were very good and clear, I went into analysis in order to find a remedy that would help her. While looking for Doreen’s symptoms, using the MacRepertory computer program, I made the following analysis of possible remedies: The homeopathic remedy Sepia matched Doreen’s symptoms, so I prescribed her one dose of Sepia. During the first hour, Doreen felt significantly better, and her coughing fits became less frequent and less severe.Her condition continued to improve over the next 24 hours, but then the improvement seemed to stop. During this time, I asked her to take the next dose of Sepia, and by the next day, she was fully recovered. Doreen was delighted to be able to return to her regular exercise and sports schedule. It is interesting to note that while I focused specifically on Doreen’s cough symptoms to find a homeopathic remedy, Sepia is not generally known as a “specific” cough remedy.This highlights an earlier statement: looking for a “cough remedy” is not necessarily a way to find a cough remedy; and instead, the remedy that is prescribed given the patient’s specific symptoms is the remedy to use. Tip of the Iceberg It is also interesting that later, Sepia turned out to help this girl in another way. When Doreen later came to see me a few months later, her cough had long since passed, but now she came back complaining of her premenstrual syndrome. She described herself as irritable and frustrated for the five days before her menstrual period; she was nervous and easily irritated by people. Although Doreen is usually a sociable person, she preferred to be alone before her menstrual periods. Doreen said, “These days my condition fluctuates between irritation and boredom.” Doreen felt worse between about 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm, but much better when she exercised vigorously. These symptoms are very characteristic of Sepia, so I gave her another dose.This time, it helped her on a deeper “constitutional” level; her premenstrual symptoms disappeared, her energy increased, and she found a better outlook on life. So it is very likely that Doreen’s cough was the earliest sign of her need for this remedy. Barking Cough Here is another example of the first approach category. Ten-year-old Nelson was brought in by his mother, complaining of his concentration problems and many fears; he was afraid to be alone, afraid of the dark, and was unable to sleep without light and a door open to a well-lit hallway. With a dose of Phosphorus these symptoms disappeared markedly. Six months later, he returned to my office complaining of a mild cough and a return of some of his fears and problems with concentration, albeit in a milder form than before. Since he recovered with Phosphorus and his cough had no distinguishing characteristics, I gave him another dose. Again, Nelson’s mental and emotional state improved markedly after taking Phosphorus. The cough, however, went away in a few days and then increased in frequency and intensity over the next week.This was a clear case of pertussis (barking cough), confirmed by the child’s pediatrician and laboratory tests. Now the cough symptoms were much more distinct and obvious. Nelson had fits of coughing that seemed to come from his stomach. The cough bothered him greatly. He definitely wanted to sit while he coughed. That being said, Nelson said that the cough became the least choking when he coughed up. His mother reported that Nelson’s lips became bluish when he coughs, and I noticed an area of ​​limited redness on his cheeks during the time he coughed. Using the MacRepertory software, I selected the following Nelson’s cough symptoms from the list and analyzed the remedies: Sanguinaria canadensis matched the largest number of Nelson’s cough symptoms, coming close to Drosera’s prescription. Both are known as “cough suppressants,” and Drosera is one of the most commonly prescribed homeopathic remedies for “barking coughs” (although Sanguinaria is also one of 165 listed remedies for such coughs).The most distinctive feature of Nelson’s cough, however, was not so much “barking” as this unique feature of feeling better after coughing up. This is not a profile for Drosera, but it is a strong motive for the appointment of Sanguinaria. So I prescribed Sanguinaria to Nelson. He felt better within a few hours, and there was a marked improvement over the next 18 hours; then the cough intensified again and I asked him to take the next dose. When his condition stabilized the next day, he took the third dose.Those three doses of Sanguinaria over the course of two days cured Nelson’s explosive cough. Fright provokes coughing Very often patients come to my office with very general symptoms of coughing. For example, they report that their cough gets worse when they go to bed. (In fact, most people with upper respiratory infections do cough harder while sleeping or at rest, as the discharge from the nose and sinuses ends up in the throat, causing the cough.) Attempts to identify their further symptoms often come to nothing.A person cannot describe the nature of the cough, that is, the reasons that cause it to improve or worsen. Based on our observation, we also cannot identify the distinctive features of the cough. When we are guided by the choice of a remedy based only on the symptoms of a cough, and do not take into account other factors provoking it, then our efforts can be nullified. The symptoms of cough are so similar that it can be very difficult to find a homeopathic remedy for the prescription. In such cases, we must consider other symptoms of the person (for example, mental-emotional, general or physical) in order to select a remedy. As an example of this type of case, consider the interesting story of nine-year-old James, whom his mother brought to me for an appointment with a complaint of a troubling cough. Neither the boy nor his mother could describe the characteristics of the cough more or less definitely. They said that James’s cough could start at any time, but he mostly bothered him at night, which was very exhausting and tired of him. In my office, James coughed very often, and I would characterize his cough as dry. That was all I could say about James’ cough.I also believed that such vague symptoms were unlikely to lead my analysis to the remedy, so I continued to search for more significant symptoms. Continuing the conversation, James’s mother said that her son felt great until a series of evenings, when he woke up for two hours during his sleep, screaming hysterically and trembling from the fact that he was tormented by nightmares. He didn’t seem to realize that he was already awake, but his eyes were wide open. She said that the cough began shortly after he woke up, and since then, James coughed day and night.After this strange incident, James asked to turn on the night light due to his fear of the dark that began to develop. The nightmares continued, but less frequently. His mother also clarified that the day before the onset of his illness, James watched a horror movie, which his friends liked very much at the time. This was interesting information that helped us find James’s cough remedy. That is, if we consider the course of James’s illness in its entirety: he recently developed some significant mental-emotional symptoms that did not exist before: fear of the dark and frightening nightmares.In addition, the fear of watching the movie brought on a physical symptom – a cough. When a child becomes physically ill, having experienced fright, and this aggravates his fears and nightmares, we prescribe a homeopathic remedy such as Stramonium. James took his dose of Stramonium 200c in the late afternoon. He slept well that night. His cough improved markedly the next day. The next night, he no longer needed to turn on the night light. His mother reported that James no longer had nightmares or intense fears, much to her relief.Use this method for health! At this time of year, when so many children and adults are suffering from coughs, it is helpful to know that we can turn to safe homeopathic treatment. For best results, remember to take the time to analyze each cough case individually and use the direct, consistent method described here. And an additional clarification: once you master this method, it will serve you in curing not only a cough, but also any other acute illness that you may encounter.Gathering information: is the symptom really that important? In homeopathy, not all symptoms are equal … Choosing a homeopathic remedy for an acute illness is easy – just compare a person’s symptoms with the indications of a homeopathic remedy. But is it right? Not every symptom will help us find a remedy. So how do we determine which symptom to look for? Acute, incomprehensible, strange and specific Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy, said: “… The most acute, incomprehensible, strange and specific signs and symptoms of the disease require special attention.The most common symptoms such as loss of appetite, headache, weakness, restless sleep, feelings of discomfort, etc., if studied less closely, deserve less attention, because you can find something in common in the nature of almost every disease and almost every drug. ” … The System of Scientific Cognition, 6th edition, aphorism 153. Art Determining which symptoms are characteristic and important as opposed to general and less important is an art that improves the more we practice.Understanding cough (or whatever disease we are considering) from a physiological / medical point of view can help us; for example, if we understand what symptoms are characteristic of a barking cough, then we can identify an atypical or some unique symptom. And the scientific rationale But we also need to be familiar with the homeopathic literature in order to know which symptoms are the main ones in a given case for an informed choice of certain medications. A little more information that we can give you … Once you know what symptoms to look out for when choosing an effective homeopathic remedy for acute illnesses, everyday problems, this process really becomes simple.So study information and homeopathic literature. By Pearlin Goodman-Herrick, has been a private practitioner for about 30 years. She has taught at NCH Summer School, Southwestern College of Natural Medicine and Bridgeport University, and was a member of the Homeopathic Academy of Natural Medicine.

Krasnodar Regional Center for Homeopathy, 2009 Translation: Matskovoy M.V.

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90,000 Why does the cough get worse at night? How to deal with a nocturnal cough?

Everyone knows how unpleasant it is to get sick when the temperature rises, suffers from a runny nose and cough. It is especially disgusting when it gets worse at night. A cough can deprive a person of normal sleep.

In the morning, a person with a cold wakes up with a heavy head, completely broken, absolutely not rested. Why does the cough get worse at night when lying down? The thing is that after 9 pm all the processes that take place in the human body slow down. And, as a result, blood circulation deteriorates significantly, so the phlegm hardly dissolves, the mucus accumulates and irritates the nerve endings.Here is a cough that pesters you in the evening and at night, preventing you from fully falling asleep and relaxing.

Diseases due to which a strong nocturnal cough appears in a person

Let’s understand in more detail why a cough worsens at night in a lying position, what can cause it, disrupt normal life:

Why does a cough intensify at night

When a sick person goes to bed, mucus practically ceases to dissolve. The phlegm begins to clog the nose and throat, provoking a violent, receding cough.

A similar process can be observed in the lungs, because when the body assumes a supine position, blood circulation slows down and is impaired.

It was also noticed that the composition of the air changes at night. It becomes much drier, cooler, different from the daytime. It can also lead to reflex coughing fits because the mucous membrane becomes irritated.

But be that as it may, the cough must be treated in any case and preferably under the supervision of a specialist.After all, the nature of its appearance can be varied and it is dangerous to choose the treatment on your own. First of all, eliminate the cause of the onset of the disease, not its consequence.

Why does the cough get worse at night? How to fight

Of course, lying and coughing all night is very bad. A person does not get enough sleep, the body does not fully rest, which means that it is not treated. That will help get rid of an unpleasant state and plunge into a sound sleep.

A very good product – a glass of warm milk with butter and honey.Some people advise adding a little baking soda to it.

A simple humidifier will also help to cope with the problem.

If cough continues to bother, inhale. They will perfectly warm the neck, and this will help to cope with the disease.

Let us also recall the effective action of some drugs. These are “Sinekod”, “Codelac”, “Libeksin” and “Dextrometophan”.

But it is advisable to use them in the treatment process after consultation with the attending physician.The drugs help improve sleep, but can cause an allergic reaction.

Why does a child’s cough get strong at night

Little children are very exhausted at night by a strong cough, it literally brings them to real stress. In the daytime, tickling is not so annoying for babies, parents calm down a little and do not seek help from doctors, but with the onset of night – again coughing, again insomnia.

In order to stop the suffocating sounds, you need to visit a pediatrician in order to determine the cause of the disease, and you can also use old grandmother’s recipes to help fight the disease.

Causes of cough at night in babies

The body is trying to get rid of excess fluid accumulated in it, and causes a cough. He is a defensive reaction of the body, giving a sign that treatment is needed.

Drugs that can eliminate a child’s cough have a bad effect on the body, they eliminate the disease only superficially, the phlegm remains in the bronchi, and this is dangerous if the disease develops into pneumonia.

Therefore, it is advisable to use proven medicines and drink plenty of fluids.

Consequences of a nocturnal cough in a child

Why does a child’s cough get worse at night? After the baby has suffered from acute respiratory infections or a severe cold, which most often could be caused by hypothermia or a virus, he may have a strong cough at night for a long time. In particular, he often accompanies those whose colds have not been properly cured.

Therefore, this consequence must be eliminated as soon as possible by contacting a doctor who will prescribe the necessary conservative treatment and complete treatment for everything that was negligently missed in due time. With the right approach, the baby and his parents will forget about what a cough is in two to three days.

Why does the cough get worse in adults at night

Why does the cough get worse at night in an adult? Perspiration caused by asthma differs from a simple cough by loud whistling sounds, as well as a heaviness in the chest area and severe difficulty in breathing.

Dry coughing at night is also observed when there is heart failure, and shortness of breath also appears.At night, insufficient oxygen is supplied to the lungs due to the horizontal position of the body.

Another reason for coughing at night can be problems in the gastroenterological part, when irritating factors act on the nerve endings of the patient’s esophagus, the mucous membrane becomes inflamed.

This will require adequate treatment and supervision by a specialist.

Why with bronchitis cough worsens at night

This problem is not new to most people. It is with bronchitis that there is a strong cough in the dark.

In the supine position, the fluid that separates from the lungs stops circulating, it does not come out. That is, the sputum begins to stagnate, a strong cough manifests itself, a sore throat. The body tries to rid itself of mucus by trying to clear the lungs and bronchi.

Why does the night cough get worse with whooping cough

Why does whooping cough get worse at night? This is an infectious disease, it is especially dangerous for small children.The cough is very violent, accompanied by high fever and even vomiting.

The causes of sore throat and cough at night with whooping cough do not differ much from those already listed above. These are:

• Accumulated phlegm in the lungs.
• Incorrect body position during sleep.
• Poorly ventilated room, too dry air.
• Little liquid was drunk at night.
• Lack of regular treatment.
• Vomit is not regularly coughing up and accumulates in the bronchi.

Whooping cough must be intensively treated, regular inhalations, drinking plenty of fluids and taking pills, medicines, herbal teas.

How to deal with cough

We have found out the reasons why the cough is getting worse, now we will give some useful recommendations on how to deal with it at home.

We offer a couple of simple but effective recipes.

1. Honey will help to cope with coughing attacks. Dissolve a teaspoon of the viscous liquid in a glass of hot water and drink in small sips.
2. Lemon. It is rich in vitamin C, which helps block the nighttime sore throat. Mix the juice of the lemon half with honey and cinnamon. We take a teaspoon several times a day, it is also advisable to take a medicinal product at night.
3. Radish. It’s great if it is black. It has been helping in the fight against coughing attacks for many years. For treatment, you need one radish. It is thoroughly washed, a hole is cut into the vegetable, warm honey is poured into it. We leave the medicine to languish for a day.After that, the juice that will flow out of the radish, mixed with honey, is used as a cough mixture.
4. Onion and garlic. Squeeze juice from cloves of garlic and onion and mix it with sugar. We boil everything over low heat, at the end we pour out a glass of milk and keep it on the fire for another five minutes.

Now you know exactly how to cure a cough and forget about it for years to come. Do not get sick and do not start the treatment process, and also seek help from specialists.

90,000 Doctors explained why healthy people find symptoms of COVID-19

Against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic, people prone to anxiety and self-hypnosis may consider a cough that has arisen for no reason as a symptom of COVID-19.At the same time, there is no infection in the human body. As doctors told Gazeta.Ru, even the smallest anxiety can cause changes in the body. With a high level of stress, immunity decreases and psychosomatic pains appear. And if you do not consult a specialist in time, the symptom can become chronic.

During a pandemic, people prone to anxiety and self-hypnosis may detect false symptoms of the coronavirus. However, this does not mean that the person is really sick. The chief freelance specialist of the Ministry of Health of the Moscow Region, neurologist Rinat Bogdanov, told RIA Novosti about this.

“Some people have a more pronounced disturbing background with increased suggestibility, in other words, the ability to autosuggest. They begin to “try” on themselves the symptoms of coronavirus and then, after a while, they are discovered. It can be shortness of breath, cough, up to a rise in temperature. If you instill, the body will give you these symptoms, ”the specialist noted.

As the neurologist Vladimir Marchenko explained to Gazeta.Ru, often even minimal stress can cause changes in the body – especially if a person retains negative emotions.

“About half of the diseases are psychosomatic in nature: 15-50%. When examined by a specialized doctor, in any case, it is worth contacting a psychotherapist, neurologist, psychiatrist, who will help to cope with the psychological cause of the disease, ”Marchenko said.

The physician added that patients with a pandemic may first develop anxiety or anxiety. However, over time, this condition can worsen and turn into depression. According to the specialist, this leads to a decrease in immunity and the manifestation of various symptoms.

“Take a disease like gastritis. It can be of both bacterial and psychosomatic nature. If the disease is associated with the defeat of the stomach by the bacterium Helicobacter, then it is worth contacting a gastroenterologist. In this case, pain may appear after the stress suffered – the brain transmits pain impulses to certain organs “, – explained the interlocutor of Gazeta.Ru

If you do not treat, including the psychosomatic nature of the disease, then it can develop into a chronic one, said Marchenko. These diseases include: hypertension, bronchial asthma, peptic ulcer, rheumatoid arthritis, psychological infertility, panic attacks, allergies, insomnia, obesity, anorexia, colds and others.

“People invent symptoms for themselves. Moreover, many people read various pseudoscientific articles allegedly about the symptoms of coronavirus, without trying to figure it out. In order not to worry like that, you can just take the test, ”the doctor complains.

The danger of fakes amid the coronavirus pandemic was previously stated by the head of WHO, Theodore Ghebreyesus, speaking at the UN General Assembly.People hurt themselves by reading questionable sources, he said.

Clinical psychologist Inna Popova agreed with him. According to the specialist, such patients provoke a psychosomatic factor, which leads to manic syndrome and fear. After that, diseases develop.

“Unfortunately, this is often the case. There is a slight cough, then something is wrong right away. It is possible that dust particles or some other annoying factor have just gotten into the throat. Patients do not view the symptoms as something else – they only think about the coronavirus, ”the specialist said in a conversation with Gazeta.Ru “.

She explained that people with a high level of suggestion should develop a more critical attitude towards such information. To distract yourself from disturbing thoughts, you should find yourself a hobby of interest or sign up for some courses.

“This will help you relax. In fact, just a walk is enough, the main thing is not to think that there is a dangerous virus in the world. You can take all precautions, but at the same time not be afraid that if you get sick, you will definitely die, ”said the psychologist.

You should also keep track of your daily routine. According to Popova, the best stress reliever is sleep. Be sure to go to bed at a time when the body requires it.

“The point is that when the body requires sleep, then it needs a reboot. You can take a nap for 30 minutes and fully recover. You should also go to bed before 00.00 and wake up from 08.00 to 09.00. However, this time is adjusted depending on the workload of the person, ”the doctor concluded.

90,000 Stories of Kazan citizens who have had coronavirus

Found out by accident

A resident of Kazan, Karina, had a coronavirus infection in the summer.At the same time, there were no obvious symptoms at the beginning of the disease, except that the temperature rose slightly, but the girl wrote it off for ordinary ARVI.

“I needed to undergo a medical examination. When I went for fluorography, they told me that my left lung was affected, they noticed a black spot. I was immediately sent to a doctor, where they prescribed me medications, ”said Karina.

In order to conduct a more thorough examination, the girl was sent for a computed tomography. Then the results showed that the lungs were affected by 20%.

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“Along with my fever, I had a severe cough. At the same time, my chest did not hurt at all. As a result, I was diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia, ”the girl said.

It took several weeks to treat the pneumonia, but even after a course of antibiotics, the girl continued to suffer from severe coughing fits.

“Analysis for Covid-19 was negative. But I don’t believe in it, because I was diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia. Later, I passed an antibody test, and the result came back positive.This means that I was sick with coronavirus, ”the girl is sure.

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Severe cough

Ruslan contracted the coronavirus at work in early autumn. Almost immediately, the young man lost his sense of smell, after a couple of days a strong debilitating cough appeared.

“Nothing helped. I started taking expectorant drugs, but they did not help me either, ”Ruslan recalled.

The guy added that the cough was so bad that it was impossible to eat or sleep. Then the temperature began to rise, weakness appeared, and then he decided to see a doctor. The guy was sent for a computed tomography. The result is 25 percent lung damage.

“I was very surprised – how so? I have so many friends who have had coronavirus, but I did not get infected from them. I immediately realized that I had picked up a covid from a work colleague, ”Ruslan said.

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As the young man recalled, he was immediately prescribed a course of antibiotics. The treatment took almost two weeks, but the taste and smell have not fully returned until now.

Despite the fact that the young man did not take tests in the clinic itself, he is sure that he had just had the coronavirus. After a while, he passed an antibody test, which showed their presence.

“There was a feeling that cotton wool was stuffed into my throat”

45-year-old resident of Kazan Albina said that she felt the first symptoms of an insidious disease right at work. The woman noticed that her eyes were reddened and a fever began. It would seem banal ARVI, if not for one “but”.

“A nasty dry cough began. I felt like they had stuffed cotton wool down my throat. I couldn’t clear my throat, it was hard to breathe. And the next day, my sense of smell suddenly disappeared, I stopped feeling tastes, ”recalled the coronavirus patient.

For several days the woman had a fever, a burning sensation in her chest, and on top of that she developed diarrhea.

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“The chest pain was unusual: pulling, sometimes tingling,” Albina recalled.

All the symptoms were accompanied by severe weakness.

“In the morning I could not get myself out of bed, during the day it was impossible to do anything. It got to the point where hands and knees were shaking, ”Albina said.

As a result, the woman consulted a doctor. She was referred for fluorography, which showed 20% lung involvement. Albina was immediately prescribed a two-week course of antibiotics, antiviral drugs and was recommended to do breathing exercises.

“At first they just put on viral pneumonia. Only after I underwent a computed tomography, I was put on a covid, ”added Albina.

At the same time, Albina has not yet recovered from the disease. The woman is still tormented by bouts of dry cough and severe headaches.

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“Since then I have been suffering from terrible headaches, from which I wake up at night and cannot sleep. No pills work. Now I see a neurologist, ”said Albina.

The woman advises residents of Kazan to listen to their body, and even with a slight discomfort, it is better not to hesitate – to see a doctor and start treatment.

“In this case, it is best to start taking vitamin C. And not the one that is sold in the form of ascorbic acid in pharmacies at a lower price. A small dose will not help. It is better to buy the thousandth dose right away, so as not to bring the disease to a severe form, ”advises Albina.

“These feelings cannot be confused with anything”

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Gulnara was ill with coronavirus in early summer. The girl felt her taste and smell disappear, after which she immediately consulted a doctor.

“On the first day of illness, I had a fever. The whole body was crushed, muscles and joints ached. Terrible weakness. There was such a state – that is, strength, then they abruptly disappear, ”the girl told her medical history.

According to Gulnara, it did not come to pneumonia – the girl went to the doctor in the very first days. She was immediately prescribed nasal drops and antivirals.

“The doctor explained to me that it was necessary to spray drops into the nose in order to quickly recover the receptors,” the girl said.

Gulnara is sure that she has had the coronavirus.

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“These feelings cannot be confused with anything. You can immediately understand that this is a “crown”. I’ve never been sick like that, ”the girl said.

Gulnara advised residents of Kazan to self-isolate immediately and start treatment at the first symptoms of the disease. In order not to infect loved ones, it is better to lock yourself in a separate room, not to contact them and ventilate the apartment as often as possible.

Cough: turbogaga – LiveJournal

I got sick last week.And it happened somehow very easily, practically, overnight. Sat, sat on the couch on Sunday, terribly cold, went to the bathroom to warm up, came back, fell asleep and woke up. And the temperature is 38.2! Oh, I think I won’t go to work tomorrow, I’ll get a little sick! On Monday morning I called a doctor, then the temperature was knocked down and that’s it. There was nothing else that day reminded of the illness. And why not get so sick – nothing hurts, there is no temperature, live and rejoice, like a vacation. But no!

Starting Tuesday, I started coughing wildly at night.It’s just some kind of curse, as night approaches, this is how this test begins. The cough is such that the neighbors knock on top. And the lateral neighbors – you can hear how anxiously they are talking, and in the morning they knock and ask questions. And there is no gap. You cough like it should, so that everything is torn up there, there comes a little respite, and you have to cough again. You are afraid to breathe, you breathe superficially, well, in order to maintain silence for a longer time … But there is no sense, I’m almost eager to pick out or swallow a grenade with my nails so that it would burst at the very epicenter… Cough pills do not work, neither does the inhaler. It has already come to the point that I almost wash down the cough pills with a solution for inhalation. And all this happens for some reason strictly at night. Those. no sleep. I’m even afraid of the night.

And yesterday I decided to cheat. Well, I think maybe my brains somehow work so that they make me cough at night. Let me, I think, deceive – I’ll drink a sedative right now, fall asleep in no time and that’s it! I drink, I fall asleep, as if I pressed the OFF button. And at exactly 12 I wake up from a wild terrible cough.And I struggle not only with coughing, but also with sleep, because coughing in a dream is a hundred times worse than in a state of wakefulness.

I tried to cheat in another way – I thought it might be that the situation was so depressing for me, but well, in general, I’ll fall asleep in another city! No. Did not help. I tried to fall asleep vertically – it also does not work.

And today a doctor I know told me that this, they say, will gradually subside within a few months! Well it’s! How do you deal with a cough?

PS And my sick leave was closed on Friday.So, according to the documents, I am healthy.

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