I just want to be able to sleep

[Norbreck]

I can only breathe when I'm sitting bolt upright. More than about 45 degrees from vertical and I can't breathe and start to cough and choke uncontrollably. I can't sleep sitting up without sliding down in my sleep and choking. I'm now so tired I just want to sleep so very very much. Can anybody help me. I am desperate.

[HungryHufflepuff]

Same here. I sleep upright but slide down the pillows in my sleep then wake up choking. I tried putting a wedge pillow under my feet (and under the foot of the mattress) but it didn’t help at all. I hope you get some answers and some sleep soon.

[Wheesy]

Have you thought about getting a bed like in hospital were you can have your required head and back at whatever angle you require and also the bottom can be raised just behind your knee joint which helps not to slip down the bed. I personally have a "V" pillow and along with that I have a travel pillow for support to my neck and another pillow under my knee joint, when I sleep away from my comfy bed.

[twinkly29]

Acid reflux/slient reflux can cause issues lying down and a feeling of choking. Or post nasal drip. Might be worth discussing with your GP as treating those may well help.

[Poobah]

Twinkly is right, it's likely to be acid reflux (GERD) or post nasal drip. Definitely talk with your asthma nurse or doctor about this and what you can do to address the causes. A quick way to know if it's GERD is to try antacids. If they work then you may want to understand what is causing the reflux and seek the relevant solution. Even mouth breathing can contribute to GERD. Unfortunately, asthmatics can be mouth breathers and learning how to change this habit is good for oral aswell as respiratory health. Other possible causes could be hiatus hernia, low stomach acid, poorly functioning sphincter between the oesophagus and stomach, diet. Antacids & prescribed PPIs can treat the symptoms but may not treat the underlying causes.

A nasal rinse may sort out any post nasal drip, but your doctor can prescribe various sprays depending on the cause of the drip. Again, mouth breathing can exacerbate nasal health.

[GFloss]

So sorry for you, that sounds so rough! I agree with the possibilities mentioned above and also getting your GP to rule out sleep apnoea as that can cause people to wake frequently choking, coughing & gasping, etc. Once you know what's underlying you may be able to treat the cause. If you can't splash out on a new bed immediately, there are some orthopaedic bed sets available. Not sure if they're only in the USA, but here's an example: amazon.com/Lunix-Orthopedic... Expect you may be able to find them off Amazon too – it could be worth asking some of the mobility/accessibility type shops for recommendations or referrals. Or maybe one of the Asthma Nurses may know more if you call their helpline.

[Mogget]

Hi, since my asthma became severe a couple of years ago I have to sleep propped up in bed. I don’t have trouble with choking/coughing though so as others have said it might be worth getting checked out for silent acid reflux. In my case it’s just my asthma being my asthma. Also an increase/change/addition in medication could be worth looking into (unless you’re already maxed out on everything).

I have a large number of pillows that form a slope for me to lie on and another number of pillows/cushions/clothing items between my legs and around my lower body to help keep me propped up in position as best as possible. It’s not perfect though and I’m still needing my reliever inhaler multiple times each night. It’s much better than nothing though as I absolutely cannot breathe/my chest gets really tight if I lie flat for any length of time. I’m considering whether or not to invest in an orthopaedic bed (don’t know how much it would help).

[Sunflower36]

Hey there. So sorry about that frustration. You could always try and check for acid reflux. That could be contributing to how you are feeling. I had both asthma and GERD and I used to have the same issues until I started taking something to help with the acid and must say there was a difference.

[Ted007]

Norbreck, I suffered similar to yourself for several years - a saw 7 different consultants at my local hospital and was admitted to hospital on a number of occasions, but no one could find the answer. In the end on the recommendation of my GP daughter-in-law, I booked a private appointment at the Royal Brompton (London). This cost me £250 for 30 minutes, but was the best money I had ever spent. The specialist diagnosed Eosinophilic Asthma in less than 5 minutes, and a few months later I entered the Biologic injecting program. I have been pretty much perfect ever since. This is about 20 months ago. I guess what I am saying is that you really need to find an expert - some regional hospitals just do not have the specialists with the knowledge base to accurately diagnose complex illnesses.

[Norbreck]

Many grateful thanks for all your comments and support. Immediately after posting my original comment I had an Asthma attack and spent a week in hospital. I'm sleeping much better now. Since comming home I've taken to sleeping in a chair. Kneeling on the floor and letting the cushion take my body weight. Unconventional but works for me. Still following your other suggestions. I'd love to get to the bottom of this. At least I'm getting some sleep now. Thanks again everyone. 🙂