Waking up wheezing for air

[RhythmSpring]

Hi

I have this scary thing happen to me every once in a while. Maybe on average, once a month, give or take. But it's scary enough for me to post about it. Basically I'll wake from a very deep sleep wondering if I am able to breathe. As I take an inhale, I realize my windpipe is obstructed, but what I don't know... my epiglottis? The next 15-45 seconds is spent with me panic-stricken and gasping for breath, trying to inhale but only able to breathe in just a tiny bit, making this loud wheezing sound with much effort.

It's really really really scary. When I finally am able to breathe, there is no apparent reason why I wasn't able to breathe: There was no phlegm in my throat, nor was my throat swollen shut--that never happens to me. It just seems that my epiglottis was flipped the wrong way, or SOMEthing. I am totally fine afterwards.

Looking up sleep apnea, it does not seem like that is it. I am not at risk for it, I am aware of it happening, I do not snore, I sleep on my side, etc.

Confused.

 

[Maya]

I have also tried researching sleep apnea for you, but yeah it doesn't seem to be that.. When did this start happening? Did you have any kind of injuries that may be affecting your breathing?

 

[RhythmSpring]

No injuries, no. It started maybe 3 or 4 years ago. It's happened maybe 10 times since. So less often than I said originally. But still, it's weird and hella scary.

 

[Maya]

hmm.. I am trying to research more into it but it keeps getting back into obstructive sleep apnea. Have you tried going to a medical professional to have this checked up?

 

[haniya11]

well it is possible that you could have developed asthma,or just had it all along and there wasnt much to trigger it. i have asthma and it usually bothers me the most at night. what you should do is buy a dehumidifier and see if that works.

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[RhythmSpring]

I don't have asthma. At all. My lungs are very healthy other than this one weird thing. I am not a wheezy person. I have a very clear, deep, resonant voice, and I have no allergies. I'm slightly underweight, too. Asthma wouldn't make sense.