What Is it That Wakes You Up With a Feeling That You Can't Breathe?

There are many factors that can affect breathing and create shortness of breath. Stress and anxiety can be responsible for shallow breathing; cardiovascular disease, respiratory obstructions and lung disease are also a few common causes. Waking up with shortness of breath or not being able to take a full breath is worth paying attention to. A visit to the doctor and a few simple, medical tests will help to identify any potential problems and find the appropriate treatment.

Talk to Your Doctor

• Write down exactly what happens the next time you wake up with shortness of breath or if you just can't breathe. Note the time it happened and the symptoms and any other feelings you had such as pain anywhere in your body, especially in the chest, or any strange sensations. It's easy to forget details like this later in the day unless you write them down. Make a point of mentioning whether the condition has gotten worse over time or if it has improved.

  Make an appointment to see your doctor. It's important to take your notes along with you so you can give the doctor an accurate account of the symptoms you have been experiencing with the breathing problem. This will help him to diagnose the cause and decide on a treatment much faster. If you have questions don't be afraid to ask even if you think they might be silly.

What is Causing the Problem

• Expect to be given a few tests to determine the cause of your problem. These procedures may test your lungs to make sure you don't have lung disease, nasal, mouth or throat obstructions, anxiety disorder, or allergies to dust, mold, dander or pollen. Your doctor may even test your heart to make sure you don't have heart disease or disorders.

  Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is a disorder of the lungs or heart that can cause waking up short of breath or temporarily unable to breathe. Nasal congestion can make it difficult to breathe, such as when you have a cold or flu.

Helping Yourself

• Obesity is also a major contributor to breathing problems. If you are overweight consider going on a weight loss program. It's important to make time to relax in a quiet place on a daily basis. Stress is a major source of many health problems. It's worth considering a good exercise program and getting fresh air on a regular basis, if possible, for optimum health.

Diagnosis and Treatments

• There are a few possible causes for waking up not being able to breathe. The condition may be mild or serious. In any case it is probably something related to the lungs, heart or air passages that is creating the problem. The only thing you can really do is try to relax and wait for a diagnosis. There are medications and procedures capable of treating respiratory issues very effectively and often permanently.