Woke up gasping for air... ?

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   ii3rittlesposted 11 years ago

   Woke up gasping for air... ?
   
   So this happened twice now. Last week woke up from a nightmare and ust a half hour ago. This happened 3 years ago, only once though. I use to have acid reflux when I was a little girl and it went away and just this past year it started again out of no where. I'm thinking this waking up may be caused by acid reflux but I am not sure. I woke up panicked and scared, but noticed my throat burning and the feeling of acid in my throat. It is still here. I have a stomach ache and I burped a few times as well. Anyone have this happen from acid reflux? Any natural remedies to stop acid reflux?

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   aguasilverposted 11 years ago

   Yep, I have had that happen to me as well, at 6am this morning actually, and I was coughing up stomach bile for about 5 minutes before I could breath again.
   
   It's caused by your body being to acidic, so go alkaline to stop it (mine was caused by too much whiskey!).
   
   You can alkaline your body in several ways:
   
   Squeeze lemon juice into pure water, lemon although an acid, turns alkaline when digested.
   
   Bicarbonate of Soda, a teaspoon in pure water will also alkaline.
   
   Cider Apple Vinegar (same effect as lemon juice)
   
   Avoid commercial antacids, they will actually worsen the problem.
   
   Don't eat rich foods before bed, your last meal should be 4 hours before bed.
   
   Eat alkaline fruits and vegetables:
   
   http://www.acidalkalinediet.com/Alkalin … -Chart.htm
   
   Hope that helps, but I know all that and still manage to forget to stay alkaline at times, like last night!

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      ii3rittlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I actually keep lemons on hand and sip lemon juice mixed with water when its bad and it usually helps. I also do raw honey which helps super fast but it doesn't last long.I eat a lot of peppermints and I bet thats why its bad.

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   meloncauliposted 11 years ago

   I have encountered similar breathing problems with acid reflux. Some doctors say the acid can be inhaled whilst others are not keen to admit to this as a reason for it affecting breathing.
   Auguasilver's comment is useful as the best way is to treat the root problem and address acid build up.
   Is your bed elevated at the head end? If not it needs elevating if only by 4-6 inches and increase your pillows. Avoid caffeine and chocolate at all costs as these definitely made my acid reflux worse.
   
   I know it's hard not to panic as I used to panic. Anyone would when they feel their breathing is compromised but panicking will just make it feel ten times worse.
   Try taking up a relaxation program or start meditation to make yourself as generally relaxed as possible. If and when the breathing problem starts try your best to relax all your muscles. Stress greatly aggravates acid reflux.

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      ii3rittlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I actually noticed after eating something that isn't good for me, I feel short of breath and I sometimes get the acid shooting up my throat. I have been laying without a pillow because my neck is hurting so my guess is its acid.

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   Will Apseposted 11 years ago

   You could look into 'Hypnic Jerks' or 'Sleep Starts'. Mostly these happen as people start to fall asleep but not always.

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   padmendraposted 11 years ago

   It appears that you are having some gas trouble which is due to incompatible food, food not chewed properly, deficiency of exercise and relaxation, holding urine or stool for a long time, fear, unhappiness, worms, tension, and unbalanced diet. The following  natural treatment is advised which is based on my personal knowledge on the subject.
   1. Food be chewed properly.
   2.After meals breath 8 times on your back, then 16 times lying on the right side and 32 times lying on the left side.
   3. Lie on the back and do cycling.
   4. Very hot and very cold food should not be taken.
   5.One or two days fasting on juice alone, if possible.
   6.Chapati made of flour with chaff with some gram powder mixed in it, be eaten.
   7. Daily eat ten black raisin s and two figs soaked in clean water overnight.
   8. Avoid spicy, acidic, fried products.
   
   These are the natural preventive ways which has no side effects.

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   JayeWisdomposted 11 years ago

   You should make an appointment with your doctor right away. While enough acid reflux may have collected to interfere with your breathing, it could also be sleep apnea, which can make a person stop breathing numerous times during the night. (Do you often feel tired when you awake, as though you didn't rest well?)
   
   Sleep apnea can be confirmed by testing at a sleep lab, and it is treatable. If you have reflux, there is medication to prevent it. Whatever the reason, you need to get the appropriate preventive treatment.  Failure to obtain treatment might lead to something far worse. Chronic untreated acid reflux can cause esophageal cancer. Chronic untreated sleep apnea might cause a heart attack. You are too young to chance either complication when they can be prevented.
   
   Write yourself a note for tomorrow:  CALL DOCTOR AND MAKE APPOINTMENT TODAY.  I'm serious.  While you're waiting for your appointment with the doctor, sleep on your side. Prop pillows behind your back to stop you from turning over on your back during sleep. Good luck!
   
   Jaye

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      ii3rittlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I don't have insurance right now so I can't make an appointment. Based on the fact that i had chocolate pudding, and some peppermints before i went to bed, I am am almost 100% sure its acid reflux. I went back to sleep & it didn't happen again.

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      JayeWisdomposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      If you live in an area that has an all-hours healthcare clinic, the rates are usually reasonable.  If you're fairly sure you have acid reflux, omeprazole (as suggested by someone else) is an inexpensive generic that will prevent AR. Take it daily.

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   That Grrlposted 11 years ago

   Consider what you have eaten and try not eating various things for a month, see if that makes a difference. I used to be in agony, even went to the hospital a few times with sharp, shearing pains through my middle. They thought of all kinds of things it could be and I had some tests done. No one knew. I figured it out myself and I've been problem free since I stopped eating onions (especially raw onions). It might be some certain vegetable, chemical in meat, etc. for you. For me the raw onions always made my hands smell funny for ages after I chopped onions. I never thought anything much about it until after I stopped using onions. Maybe you have noticed something like that but ignored it too.

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      ii3rittlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I love onions! lol I actually thought about it and I eat a lot of peppermints which relaxes the stomach muscle so I bet thats what did it. I had like 3 or 4 before bed!

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   SidKempposted 11 years ago

   I agree with much of what is written below, that the evidence points to an overall acidic condition of the body. However, the remedies I see below are all temporary, and will not change the underlying imbalance.
   
   Without knowing your health, dietary, and exercise habits, I can't help you identify the key changes that will help. But I have helped many others, and I recommend these steps:
   
   1. Eat a healthy diet, such as is described on my hub on natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis. This is an alkalinizing (de-acidifying) deit.
   2. With both natural foods and supplements, increase the minerals in your diet. Calcium and iron are most important. these are to be balanced by potassium and supplemented by trace minerals.
   3. If you do not exercise already, grow into gentle walking, and other exercise if you like.
   4. Chew your food slowly and thoroughly. When your saliva has enough minerals in it (from #1 & #2), and you chew well, almost all acid reflux will disappear.
   5. Try not to eat too soon before bed.
   
   Most likely, all of this will suffice. Although I won't say "don't go to a doctor," I will say I know of a patient with this problem who went to many doctors, tried everything, and things only got worse. But when he slowed down and chewed his food, the problem went away!
   
   The lemon recommendation also only works if you have enough minerals in your body. If you are well-mineralized, then the acid in the lemon causes you to pull forth those minerals and rebalance, which is good. But if you are low in reserve minerals (particularly calcium) then the acid lemon will make your body more acidic, making everything worse.
   
   I know this is complicated, but this is the body we are born with. Health and joy to you!

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   monicaortegamonposted 11 years ago

   Hi ii3rittles, You are probably very right about the Acid Reflux especially with the symptoms you were describing after you woke up gasping for air. There are many things that can cause the gasping for air, but if I were you I would check with your medical doctor to pinpoint the problem. As far as natural remedies you should still seek the advice of your medical doctor regarding anything you may want to take for your symptoms, to be sure it is right for you. Thanks for your question. Monica

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    kat_thurstonposted 11 years ago

    This could very well be acid reflux if it continues I would suggest seeing a doctor. I know for myself peppermint helps also drinking a glass of milk after your evening meal helps to reduce the acid.

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    whynot1posted 11 years ago

    You might have acid reflux, but you might also look into Sleep Apnea, which can get worse over time and could lead to chronic fatigue, weight gain, etc. Check it out.

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    Sean Evansposted 11 years ago

    Besides going to go see a specialist perhaps changing what and when you eat.   I eat 4 -5 small meals a day.  However I've just recently begun to make lunch my biggest meal.  I've seen some positives to this.  I guess its comes down to how many hours it was before bed since last meal as someone else mentioned.
    
    Good luck on your search for answers though.

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    ii3rittlesposted 11 years ago

    Thanks for all your answers. I'm almost 100% certain it was acid as I had chocolate pudding followed by 3 or 4 peppermints before bed. I was also kind of stressed out which I know make acid reflux worse. I will have to start exercising and eating better. I am not looking to go on pills or antacids as they eat the stomach lining and only mask the symptoms. They actually don't recommend being on them longer then a few months.

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    duffsmomposted 11 years ago

    It sounds more like sleep apnea.  You are not getting enough oxygen or are hyperventilating in your sleep due to lack of oxygen and it causes severe anxiety or panic.  Take some antacids to relive the acid reflux - so it does not damage the esophagus.
    
    When you wake up panicked try what I call "triangle breathing."  Be patient, it works.
    
    Breath in slowly for 4 counts, out for 4 counts and then hold for 4 counts. In 4, out 4, hold 4.  I picture the breath going up one side of the triangle, down the other side and holding across the bottom.  Keep trying and be patient.
    
    This breathing also works if you feel anxiety coming on.
    
    I used to wake up panicked all the time, gasping for air...had a sleep study done and have severe apnea.  So please see a doctor just to be on the safe side.

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    lupineposted 11 years ago

    My conclusion to all these answers/suggestions and your comments, is that it is acid reflux. I would suggest eating healthier and not right before bed time. Start off slowly by cutting out something you know may be causing the flair-up of acid reflux, like the chocolate pudding, too much sugar...replacing it with a fruit you like. If you love chocolate try eating a small piece of dark chocolate once in a while. Also, the peppermints have too much sugar...replace the peppermints with peppermint tea, or chew a peppermint leaf. Please try the apple cider vinegar, about one tablespoon...just drink it fast, but it works! You need to keep your head up with pillows when sleeping. I agree with you, try not to take medicine for this, it is also only temporary and has side effects.

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    JamesGrantSmithposted 10 years ago

    I would recommend trying Calms while you are waiting for an appointment from a doctor, to get the medication you need.
    
    I would love to hear how this turns out.

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