Shortness of breath during sleep can be caused by many things, from obesity to sleep apnea. Therefore, there are various ways to deal with shortness of breath during sleep, depending on what the cause is.
Shortness of breath can be a barrier to activities, not least if shortness of breath occurs while you sleep. This condition can indicate a health condition that requires further treatment from a doctor.
Various causes of shortness of breath during sleep lead to different treatments. Therefore, you need to determine the cause of the complaints you are experiencing to get the right advice for dealing with shortness of breath during sleep.
Causes and Ways to Overcome Shortness of Breath While Sleeping
Some of the tests performed by doctors to determine the cause of shortness of breath are:
1. Physical examination
2. Lung function check
3. X-ray
4. Echocardiogram
5. Electrocardiogram
After the results of the examination are obtained, the doctor will determine the cause of shortness of breath and suggest ways to overcome it.
Here are some of the causes and ways to deal with shortness of breath during sleep that are appropriate and recommended by doctors.
1. Respiratory tract infection
Respiratory tract infections can be caused by bacteria or viruses. If it is caused by bacteria, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. If the infection is caused by a virus, the doctor will give medication to reduce symptoms, or antiviral if needed.
This is because in cases of viral infection, the condition will improve on its own in a few days.
2. Obesity
Shortness of breath during sleep can also occur if you are obese. Sleeping on your side to reduce pressure on the lungs can be done as a way to overcome shortness of breath during sleep.
However, it would be even better if you try to lose weight by practicing a healthy diet and exercising diligently.
3. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Until now, COPD can not be completely cured. Available treatments are aimed at controlling symptoms, slowing disease progression, reducing the risk of complications, and making daily life easier.
Ways to overcome shortness of breath during sleep due to COPD include quitting smoking, taking or inhaling drugs, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and surgery.
4. Sleep apnea
If sleep apnea makes you feel short of breath during sleep, your doctor may recommend therapy, such as CPAP therapy. If therapy fails to overcome shortness of breath during sleep, the doctor will recommend surgery or surgery.
5. Cor pulmonale
Cor pulmonale occurs when the blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs increases, causing an enlargement in the right side of the heart.
This disease can cause shortness of breath, including during sleep. The way to overcome this disease is with oxygen therapy and taking certain drugs, such as vasodilators, to widen the narrowed blood vessels and increase blood flow.
If medication and oxygen therapy are not able to control the symptoms, surgery may be performed.
Shortness of breath during sleep can be caused by many things. You can consult a doctor if you experience shortness of breath during sleep to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.