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Jolted awake at night coughing, please help!

Posted , 3 users are following.

chris54721
chris54721

So this has happened 2 or 3 times in the year or two, just recently today. Sometimes whenever I sleep on my back, I'm jolted awake coughing and sometimes a choking feeling with a sour taste in my mouth.

This also only happens whenever I go back to sleep in the middle of the night after going to the bathroom, so not in deep sleep. Right when I fall back asleep, sometimes I roll on my back, and that's when it seems to be happening. I have Acid Reflux so it's probably related. Called my GI who thought the same thing, but didn't really think it was a big deal.

I don't eat 2-3 hours before bed, I take a zantac every night before bed and I try not to sleep on my back, but my question is, is this dangerous? I'm extremely worried, and am kind of freaking out. Can I suffocate to death? It's a very scary feeling, but only lasts for a couple of seconds. Thanks

1 like, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest chris54721

    Posted

    Hi Chris,

     I’ve had this happen to me a few times as well. It is definitely scary! I am a health anxious person so on nights that happens, I can’t fall back asleep for a long time.

    As far as it being dangerous and suffocating, I highly doubt that. Just an uncomfortable and scary moment. Have you tried elevating the head of your bed? 

  • heretoday
    heretoday chris54721

    Posted

    Yeah this happens to me too but more like once a week and I am on day shift at work now. I notice I am usually coughing badly before I go to bed on those nights. I take ppis plus Zantac and cimetedine but they don’t help that much
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