Difficulty breathing during sleep, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat.
Feb 22, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Difficulty breathing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat during sleep may be caused by conditions such as bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux, asthma, tuberculosis, or depression. It is recommended to seek treatment targeting the underlying cause. Please actively visit a hospital to undergo further relevant examinations under the guidance of a doctor to clarify the diagnosis, and choose an appropriate treatment approach to promote recovery.
Difficulty breathing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat during sleep may be caused by conditions such as bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux, asthma, tuberculosis, or depression. It is recommended to seek treatment targeting the underlying cause.
1. Bronchitis
Bronchitis may result from bacterial infections or pathogens such as *Chlamydia pneumoniae*. Inflammatory factors can damage the bronchial mucosa, impairing lung ventilation and leading to symptoms including chest tightness, shortness of breath, throat discomfort, cough, and sputum production. Under medical guidance, xanthine medications may be used for treatment. Commonly prescribed drugs include compound aminophylline tablets, doxofylline tablets, and dyphylline tablets, which help dilate the bronchi and reduce inflammation, thereby alleviating symptoms.
2. Gastroesophageal Reflux
When stomach contents reflux into the esophagus, they may irritate the throat and esophageal mucosa, causing a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, inducing esophageal spasms, and resulting in chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and reflexive coughing. Under medical supervision, medications that suppress gastric acid secretion are recommended. Common options include rabeprazole enteric-coated capsules, omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, and lansoprazole enteric-coated capsules, which reduce gastric acid production, alleviate reflux, and improve symptoms.
3. Asthma
Asthma may be triggered by allergens such as pollen or dust mites, or by excessive mental stress and anxiety. This leads to bronchial smooth muscle spasm, airway narrowing, impaired ventilation, and symptoms such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and throat discomfort. As directed by a physician, corticosteroid medications may be used, such as budesonide inhaler, fluticasone propionate inhaler, or beclomethasone dipropionate inhaler, which reduce local inflammatory responses and help control asthma.
4. Tuberculosis
Pulmonary tuberculosis, caused by infection with *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*, may involve extensive areas of infection and irritate nearby structures such as the main bronchi and pleura, leading to abnormal symptoms including chest pain, rapid breathing, wheezing, cough, and fever. Under a doctor’s guidance, anti-tuberculosis medications may be used. Commonly prescribed drugs include isoniazid tablets, rifampicin tablets, and pyrazinamide tablets, which inhibit the replication and synthesis of tuberculosis bacteria and improve the condition.
5. Depression
Depression, triggered by stressful events or influenced by genetic predisposition, may lead to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, causing rapid, shallow breathing and muscle tension—particularly in the throat or chest muscles—resulting in chest tightness and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. As prescribed by a physician, antidepressant medications may be used. Common options include trazodone hydrochloride dispersible tablets, paroxetine hydrochloride tablets, and fluoxetine hydrochloride capsules, which help relieve anxiety and improve symptoms.
It is recommended to promptly visit a hospital, undergo appropriate diagnostic evaluations under medical guidance to determine the exact cause, and receive suitable treatment to promote recovery.
