Causes of Shortness of Breath at Night

Some people feel short of breath just by climbing a flight of steps, while others may not feel breathless even if they have some advanced form of lung disorder. Breathlessness may be caused due to a number of reasons. Some causes include:

Blockage of the air passage in the throat, mouth or nose.
Some kind of heart disease, which makes it difficult for the heart to pump.
Lung disease.
Emotional distress or anxiety.

A little breathlessness caused by a bad nasal congestion or due to strenuous exercise is to be expected. However, if this is a sudden problem which seems to be getting worse, immediate medical assistance is a must, as it may be a symptom of bronchitis, pneumonia or some other serious ailment. Though many causes can be treated easily with medication and / or supplemental oxygen, it may help to take some precautions.

Relax! Feeling shortness of breath at night may be scary, but panicking will only make it worse. Though difficult, try to overcome fear by listening to music, praying or doing any other activity which makes you feel calm and relaxed.
Lean forward and focus on your breathing. Try to control your diaphragm muscles as you take a few deep and even breaths.
Fatigue usually accompanies breathlessness, hence cut down on unnecessary tasks in your day and save your energy for when you really need it.
Cool your room by lowering the room temperature (but do not cool it to the point where you shiver). A warm room may aggravate the condition by making you feel stuffy.
Get some fresh air by sitting near an open window. Sitting in a closed room may make you feel confined which in turn results in a feeling of suffocation.
Sit in front of your table fan for a few minutes and let the air blow gently on your face. This will make you feel refreshed and less breathless.
Eat small meals throughout the day instead of just 2-3 larger meals.
Avoid smoke, paint, dust and other respiratory irritants.
Avoid mucus buildup. Drinking water, liquids, hot chicken soup can help liquefy hardened mucus so that it can be easily expelled.

Breathlessness is not a condition in itself; it is a symptom that is common to several illnesses. It would be wise to visit a specialist who may recommend a series of tests to determine the root cause of the problem.

References:

answered by G M

Difficulty in breathing with a peculiar whistling and chest tightness is termed as 'Wheezing' or 'Bronchitis'. Did you take a pulmonary function test and a chest x-ray? Please check it out from your physician. Try to sleep in a airy bedroom. Wear loose fitting clothes in the night.

Please refer our article on bronchitis for more information at,
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/articles/26/medicines-and-remedies/bronchitis-more-than-a-cough.html

answered by r k

I felt shortness of breath in middle of my sleep. What is the main cause of this? I felt tired. I checked with a doctor but my oxygen level is 100%. Please suggest some remedies?