Some people suffer from an acute lack of oxygen. As a rule, such attacks occur at night. Moreover, a person not only does not understand what is happening to him, but cannot even wake up. The attack of suffocation at night (the reasons have not yet been fully studied to date) is very difficult and indicates the presence of any problems with the functioning of the body. He suddenly rolls on a person, but may not retreat in debt, so it is very important to have an idea of the basics of first aid.
Etiology of Apnea
Let's dwell on this in more detail. The causes of asthma attacks at night in an adult can be very different. However, they need to be aware of, since first aid should be provided taking into account the specific problem behind this problem. Among the main ones are the following:
- increased venous pressure;
- cardiac asthma and congestion in the fibro-muscular organ;
- involuntary contraction of the muscles of the larynx, as a result of which the airways are blocked;
- bronchial spasm;
- various pathologies of the nervous system;
- carotid paralysis;
- some pathologies of the respiratory system;
- gastroesophageal reflux disease.
If a person suffers an attack of suffocation at night, the causes can be very different. But, as a rule, the most common is an increase in venous pressure. Due to too much accumulation of carbon dioxide, chemoreceptors are stimulated, which are responsible for sending impulses to a certain part of the brain that is responsible for lung function. As a result of this, the rhythm and intensity of the respiratory movements causing apnea increases. Faced with the syndrome, it is necessary to immediately call a doctor, since it can lead not only to serious complications, but also cause death. Prior to the arrival of physicians, it is not recommended to take any measures on your own, as this can only aggravate the situation.
Problems with the cardiovascular system
So what do you need to know about this? Very often, the causes of an attack of suffocation at night in an adult are associated with impaired normal functioning of the heart and circulatory system. As a result of some deviations, the fibro-muscular organ is not able to push out all the blood entering the left ventricle. This leads to an increase in venous pressure. Moreover, when a person is in a horizontal position, it increases even more. As a result of stagnant processes, pulmonary edema begins, leading to a decrease in the working surface and a violation of gas exchange, which, in turn, reduces the oxygen content in the body and provokes apnea.
Bronchopulmonary problems
If a person regularly suffers from attacks of suffocation at night (the causes for a child and an adult are the same), then it is very important to establish their etiology, since otherwise it is impossible to choose the most effective therapy program. According to profiled specialists, very often the syndrome manifests itself due to disturbances in the functioning of the respiratory system. Among the most common pathologies, bronchial asthma can be distinguished. It is accompanied by an increased sensitivity of the body to certain allergens. After they enter the bloodstream, the immune system triggers defense processes. If they manifest very strongly, then a person begins muscle spasm in the lungs, accompanied by the expansion of blood vessels and impaired normal blood flow.
As a result of all of the above, much less air is accumulated in the pulmonary vesicles and an attack of suffocation develops at night in an adult. It can be accompanied by hypoxia, which greatly complicates the provision of first aid. Only an inhaler or nebulizer with special medications aimed at normalizing the functioning of the bronchi can help get rid of the syndrome. But picking them up yourself will not work, so if the seizures make themselves felt on an ongoing basis, then you need to consult a doctor who will conduct a comprehensive examination of the patient and select the most suitable medicines.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Considering the main causes of an attack of suffocation at night, it is necessary to say a few words about such a pathology as GERD. It implies that the remnants of food along with the gastric juice enter the respiratory tract, which causes involuntary contractions of smooth muscles. If the lumen is completely closed, then a person simply can not take a breath. In addition, apnea is often the result of a carotid stupor. A person wakes up from a strong fright, a panic attack flies over him and he suffocates due to an acute lack of oxygen. Since there are no health problems here, asphyxiation quickly passes by itself without any outside help. However, the nature of gastroesophageal reflux disease is not fully understood, so doctors can only make some suggestions. The most rational explanation is a failure in the regulation of the muscular system and excessive inhibitory reactions of the subcortical structures.
Symptomatology
This aspect should be given special attention. We examined the most common causes of suffocation attacks at night. But in order to provide timely assistance to the victim, it is necessary to correctly identify the problem. This can be done on the basis of the following clinical manifestations:
- discoloration of the skin and the appearance of an uncharacteristic blush on the cheeks;
- blue fingers of the upper extremities;
- discomfort or pain in the chest area;
- cold sweat;
- crepitus of the lungs;
- bloating of the cervical veins.
If you notice the symptoms listed above in yourself or your loved one, then most likely he has started an asthma attack. It is very difficult to normalize the condition itself, since the reason behind it is unknown. Therefore, it is better not to waste time on futile attempts, but immediately call an ambulance. If the pathology makes itself felt constantly, then this indicates the presence of any deviations or health problems. In this case, you need to undergo an examination and begin treatment. How it can be will be described later.
Diagnostics
What is it and what is its feature? Attacks of suffocation at night in a dream are extremely rare in medical practice, however, they require immediate treatment. At the same time, not so much pathology is terrible as the reason behind it. If you encounter this problem, then you should not try to cope with it yourself, as this can be not only ineffective, but also dangerous. Only a specialist can select the appropriate therapy program after a thorough examination of the patient. At the appointment, the doctor first conducts a general examination and questioning of the patient, after which, on the basis of the collected data, prescribes the necessary laboratory tests. As a rule, they are aimed at assessing the condition and functioning of the heart and lungs.
The most informative are the following types of analyzes:
- radiography of internal organs located in the chest and peritoneum;
- Ultrasound
- electrocardiography;
- spirometry;
- differential diagnosis.
Based on the clinical picture and the patient’s health status, the doctor may prescribe some additional research methods. Which ones can be used is very difficult to say, since each specific case is unique.
First aid
Let's dwell on this aspect in more detail. If a person has manifested an attack of suffocation at night, it is difficult to breathe, or it is impossible to take a breath, then you should try to help him, because he will not be able to cope with the syndrome due to a lack of understanding of the essence of what is happening and panic, which is understandable in this case. However, medical staff recommend that you do not self-medicate, because apnea in the vast majority of cases is caused by a malfunction of various internal organs and systems, so it’s very difficult to help a person and bring his state of norm. First of all, you need to call an ambulance, and then put the suffocating person in a comfortable position and ventilate the room. If the pathology itself backed up after a short period of time, this does not mean that everything is fine. It is best to undergo an examination to be completely sure that there are no serious health problems.
Doctors say that suffocation attacks at night can be defeated with the following medications:
- Glucocorticosteroids: Dexamethasone or Pulmicort.
- Antiallergenic drugs: Suprastin or Diazolin.
If you suffer from bronchial asthma and the doctor has prescribed you an inhaler, then it can also be used for suffocation. In addition, you can yourself prepare a therapeutic solution based on mineral water and solutions that stimulate the removal of sputum from the bronchi.
The main methods of therapy
The attack of suffocation at night (the reasons for what to do was described in detail earlier) is a powerful argument in favor of thinking about your health and going to the hospital. Treatment should be selected only by a specialist, based on the clinical picture of the patient. The treatment program aims to address the cause of sleep apnea. As a rule, to combat pathology, medications of the homeopathic group are used, which contribute to the formation of a normal immunological reaction to allergens. The most effective remedies are as follows:
- "Ipecacuanha";
- "Sambucus";
- "Musk".
If the causes of attacks of suffocation in the throat at night are associated with impaired normal circulation, and are also accompanied by increased pressure in the chest and cramps, then some doctors prescribe Ipecacuana. This homeopathic preparation is made on the basis of natural components of natural origin, therefore it has practically no contraindications and does not cause side effects.
"Sambucus" is an excellent anti-allergenic drug, which is used for night attacks of suffocation, accompanied by convulsions, severe shortness of breath, discomfort or pain in the chest area, panic attacks and trembling. In addition, this drug is considered one of the best in the treatment of bronchial asthma. "Musk" is prescribed for patients in whom apnea is caused by mental disorders.
Regardless of why there are attacks of suffocation in the throat at night, when drawing up a treatment program, doctors select medications that normalize the functioning of the immune system and make its response to allergens less reactive. As a result, over time, blood flow returns to normal, the volume of air accumulated by the alveoli increases, and internal organs begin to receive a normal amount of oxygen.
Alternative medicine
What is it and what is its feature? If you notice an attack of suffocation at night in an adult or child, then it is not necessary to immediately give him any pills. In folk medicine, there are many ways based on the use of various medicinal plants that will quickly normalize a person with difficulty breathing. In this case, decoctions and infusions can be used not only for treatment, but also as prophylactic agents. However, you must understand that to achieve a positive result requires quite a long therapy.
One of the best for sleep apnea is considered to be a rose hip infusion. This plant contains a huge amount of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, so it has been used for many centuries to treat many diseases of various origins. To prepare the broth, you need to grind 2 tablespoons of berries, pour 200 milliliters of ordinary drinking water and insist for 12 hours. When the product is ready, it is filtered and drunk half a glass three times a day shortly before meals.
With attacks of suffocation caused by problems with the cardiovascular system, tea from strawberry leaves helps. It helps to normalize venous pressure and improve blood circulation, and also has a diuretic effect.
Traditional healers say that suffocation attacks at night from coughing can be quickly stopped with nettles. The leaves of the plant are thrown into the fire and inhale smoke. The effect of such a procedure will not take long, and a person will almost instantly feel an improvement. In this case, you can use not only fresh, but also dried leaves, which are collected in the summer and stored in a glass container.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea is a very serious syndrome that requires treatment to be started as soon as possible. If no action is taken, then sudden and uncontrolled attacks of suffocation can lead to many serious health problems and even cause death. Therefore, if they occur with you at certain intervals, then do not postpone the visit to a specialist. Any disease is recommended to be treated in the early stages, when it is best amenable to therapy. Do not be negligent in your health, because losing it is quite easy, and it is often impossible to return it.