Why do I feel short of breath at night while sleeping, and what should I do?

Feeling short of breath at night while sleeping may be caused by physiological factors, or it could result from pathological conditions such as asthmatic bronchitis or sleep apnea syndrome. Improvement can be achieved through general treatments, medications, or surgical interventions. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Physiological Factors

If a patient completely closes doors and windows while sleeping at night, poor air circulation in the room may lead to a sensation of breathlessness. This is usually a normal physiological phenomenon, and the patient can alleviate it by slightly opening doors or windows for ventilation during sleep.

2. Pathological Factors

1) Asthmatic Bronchitis

Asthmatic bronchitis is commonly triggered by various respiratory viral infections. If the sleeping environment contains significant amounts of dust, it may provoke an attack of asthmatic bronchitis, leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing and chest tightness. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as Azithromycin Capsules or Budesonide Nasal Spray.

2) Sleep Apnea Syndrome

This is a relatively common sleep-related breathing disorder, often seen in individuals who are obese or have narrow or obstructed upper airways. It causes airflow through the mouth and nose to stop for more than 10 seconds during nighttime sleep. Clinical manifestations include excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring during sleep, and awakening due to breath-holding. When necessary, patients may undergo surgical treatments such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), maxillomandibular advancement, or hyoid suspension, as directed by a physician.

Besides the above-mentioned causes, persistent shortness of breath could also be due to myocardial ischemia, anxiety disorders, heart failure, or other reasons. If breathlessness continues, patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation and undergo thorough examinations.