Need your input....here's my situation

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JazzMan1974

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I have a recurring problem that happens during the night while I am sleeping. I have told my doctor and he seems to think that it is acid reflux though he has yet to prescribe any medication for that condition.

Generally within an hour or two of falling asleep, I will wake up with a strange feeling like I am grasping for air and even a choking sensation. It is sometimes worse than others.

Recently, I have started having these spells about once a week. They are not as bad as in the past but now they happened more than once a night. Sometimes, 3-4 times before I finally get to sleep for good.

I have had acid problems before and this doesnt feel the same as there is not a lot of the burning in your throat that you get from lots of acid.

I am concerned about the shortness of breath feeling but it only happens when I am laying down and only on certain nights. A lot of the other classic factors are also there - eating late, drinking beer and wine, sodas etc.

As I have read from others, I am somewhat frustrated because I have a hard time explaining this to my doctor and when I do, he isnt all that concerned with it. He says its nothing to worry about.

Have others experienced this problem at night? My nose also feels stuffy so I am not sure if it is just that but I have never experienced anything like this before. I have voiced my concern about Sleep Apnea but again, my doctors doesnt think thats what it is.

I have always loved sleep and this makes me somewhat dread sleeping and I am really thrown off when one of these spells hit. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 
You are not alone. I have experienced this as well. It could be acid creeping up your esophagus toward your windpipe, or it could be acid effecting your vagus nerve. And i dont feel the burning acid feeling form it too. Either way, try sleeping elevated. They sell pillow for just such a thing. I actually will sleep in a nice comfortable chair sometimes. If you suspect sleep apnea, you can record your self sleeping and review it when it happens again to see if your chest stops compressing indicating you stopped breathing.
 
Thanks for your response. I think the special pillow is a really good idea. I really had a hard time believing my doctor when he said that this was acid reflux related. The more input I get seems to indicate that he is right on the money.
 
I feel your pain-acid reflux when you are trying to sleep is so.freakin.frustrating. I've found it gets better for me when I just limit food intake. Not any specific food, just food in general. I also try not to eat anything after dinner, and make dinner smaller. I find symptoms get markedly worse when I eat something fatty soon before bed.

Good luck, I hope you can find some answers. :)
 
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