Night attacks of suffocation

Choking is the ultimate degree of dyspnea, a painful sense of acute oxygen deficiency. It happens that an attack hits a person at night when he is sleeping. Because the night attack of suffocation is always unexpected and sudden, disoriented by the newly awakened person, he perceives it more painfully than in the daytime when he is awake. Night choking is a sign of serious health problems that can not be ignored.

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Causes of the a choking attack at night

In medicine, there are several causes of respiratory insufficiency.

Physicians collected data in search of the relationship between the posture during sleep, the time of onset and the severity of nighttime suffocation in patients with respiratory insufficiency, and it was found that the suffocation is due to increased pressure in the venous vessels. It is easy to see in the neck region: the veins in patients greatly increase and swell.

Left ventricular failure, for which typical seizures are similar to a strong cough. Symptoms of the disease also include rapid breathing with difficulty breathing in and out. In this case, the patient wakes up feeling a lack of air. Severe attacks of night suffocation can cause an edema of the lung, which carries a danger to human life.

Bronchospasm. In medicine, they know about the connection of asthmatic attacks with the time of day and about the characteristic development of bronchospasm at night. The person in the sitting position rests on the hands to facilitate the work of the muscles that are involved in breathing. His breath is noisy, with accompanying whistles and wheezing. Most likely, this is bronchospasm, which prevents bronchial tubes from cleansing of accumulated sputum. Rapid inhalation and prolonged exhalation, accompanied by wheezing, is typical for respiratory diseases. Bronchospasm, in contrast to left ventricular failure, ends with the separation of sputum with an admixture of mucus. The attack can develop due to the effect of an allergen, to which the patient is susceptible: the smell of household chemicals, tobacco smoke, etc. Night suffocation often provokes dust, particles of wool of domestic animals and even food for aquarium fish, because of the organic origin of which, too, may manifest allergies. Hyperreactivity of bronchial tubes during the day and night can differ by 50%. Therefore, graphical recording of lung function during breathing during the day can lead to incorrect conclusions about the patient's health. It is at night that asthma often occurs.

Choking in the syndrome of apnea. Dyspnoea and gasps are the result of stopping breathing, when the respiratory tracts are blocked during sleep. Attacks of suffocation in patients with apnea can provoke and reflux, when there is a release of the contents of the stomach into the esophagus. In apnea, ejection may not be in the esophagus, but in the respiratory tract. Then the patient develops laryngospasm, when the muscles of the larynx suddenly contract, and the respiratory tracts overlap, which makes it impossible to inhale. Night cough, excessive sweating, too frequent urination, drowsiness during the day, high blood pressure, decreased potency may also indicate apnea.

Sleepy paralysis. This is a rare disorder that is fleeting and relatively harmless to health, when the patient feels unable to move, a fit of fear, in exceptional cases - shortness of breath and a gasp of suffocation. Sleepy paralysis has a relationship with such disorders as walking in sleep and daytime sleepiness.

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Symptoms of the a choking attack at night

The first signs of an attack of suffocation - blanching of the skin, but the simultaneous presence of a noticeable blush on the face. The nasolabial triangle and fingers can acquire a bluish hue, a feeling of heaviness appears in the chest area. The patient is frightened and makes attempts to inhale with the mouth, the skin surface is covered with a cold sweat, the pulse may become more frequent. A night attack of suffocation necessarily causes a circulatory disturbance. If you listen to the lungs during an attack, it's easy to detect noise and wheezing. At the beginning of an attack during listening they are found only in the area above the base of the lungs, but later they cover all the lungs. The gaps between the ribs can be visibly retracted as a result of trying to inhale the maximum amount of air, and the veins on the neck swell. Consequences and complications of an attack can be very dangerous.

Night attacks of suffocation in children

Sudden and unexpected night attack of suffocation in a child, when before this state of health was normal - the main sign of stenosis, which arose from a foreign object that got into the respiratory system. In this case, the reaction of an adult should be immediate: it is necessary to squeeze the sternum to eliminate a foreign object, and allow the child to clear his throat. The child can even be lifted by the feet and, tapping on the back, help with a cough to remove the foreign object from the respiratory tract. The attack of suffocation, accompanied by stenosis of the larynx, appears as a result of inflammations of a different nature - croup or allergic edema. The child with an inflammatory process usually attacks the attack at night, and when swelling due to allergies - more often in the afternoon.

In addition, suffocation occurs as a result of increased excitability of the nervous system, due to lack of calcium salts, birth trauma or infection. In addition, the attack can develop against the background of rickets, violations of the gastrointestinal tract or cardiovascular system.

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Diagnostics of the a choking attack at night

The examination program includes:

1. General analysis of urine, blood and stool.
2. Study of the content of total protein, protein fractions.
3. Blood test for the content and activity of lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, CEC, complement.
4. Examination of sputum.
5. Radiography of the lungs
6. Graphic recording of lung function during breathing.
7. Electrocardiogram
8. Samples with allergens that are made outside the seizures.
9. Consultations of an allergist, laura, dentist.

[6], [7]

Differential diagnosis

Because asthma attacks can be of a different nature in order to prevent relapses, it is necessary to go to a medical facility where the specialists will conduct diagnostics to prescribe effective treatment. The specialist will conduct a differential diagnosis of pathology with other diseases that have similar symptoms, prescribe tests and instrumental examinations, which will allow an accurate diagnosis.

To differentiate bronchial asthma from chronic obstructive bronchitis, the doctor relies on the following symptoms. Young people are more likely to develop bronchial asthma. The disease begins suddenly, with a paroxysmal cough, shortness of breath, variability in the frequency of breathing. With asthma, reversibility of bronchial obstruction and bronchial hyperreactivity are noticeable. When listening to the lungs, dry rales are heard with a whistle.

Chronic obstructive bronchitis often develops in middle-aged or elderly people. With bronchitis there is a constant shortness of breath and a productive cough. When listening, dry and wet rattles are detected.

For cardiac asthma, organic diseases of the heart and blood vessels are associated with dyspnoea, breathing with "bubbling". Listening to the lungs will reveal scattered, moist, various-sized wheezing accompanied by tachycardia, arrhythmia.

Difficulty breathing, especially on exhalation, can manifest itself due to compression of the trachea and bronchi by neoplasms, greatly enlarged lymph nodes, aortic aneurysm. To make a more accurate diagnosis, use the methods of instrumental diagnostics: bronchoscopy, mediastinal x-ray, CT of the lungs.

For thromboembolism of the pulmonary artery is characterized by an unexpected feeling of lack of air and a strong shortness of breath, when listening to dry rales are revealed - this makes it possible to distinguish thromboembolism from bronchial asthma.

Patients with neuroses often have shortness of breath, right up to the attacks of suffocation. The main signs of suffocation due to pathologies of nervous regulation of respiratory function - if such symptoms occur during stress moments, and wheezing in the lungs during listening is absent.

Treatment of the a choking attack at night

Usually a night attack of suffocation is overtaken by a person outside the walls of the hospital. How to properly help before the arrival of doctors? First of all, you need to try to facilitate breathing, calm the patient, help to get up. The patient should take a vertical position, leaning his hands on anything, and breathe superficially, with a long exhalation. Then arrange for air intake. The extremities of the victim should be warmed with a warmer or kept in warm water. Also the patient is put mustard plasters on the chest or on the back. The patient should receive euphillin and ephedrine - oral, before taking medical treatment, one tablet each.

A person who periodically has night attacks of suffocation, in the bedroom should be a thermos bottle of boiling water or a decoction of expectorant herbs. Hot food in combination with expectorants can usually stop an attack of suffocation. In case of a severe attack, it is necessary to inhale the sympathomimetic (up to 2-3 times).

Emergency assistance in case of asphyxiation due to foreign objects in the respiratory tract is carried out according to the same algorithm as for drowning. The main thing is to remain calm, not to give panic to master yourself, then emergency help will be easier to render quickly and efficiently. To remove an object from the larynx, press the sternum, then the object will pop out into the respiratory tract. Then, tilt the victim forward so that he clears his throat. When the attack of asthma passes and the breath comes back to normal, you should contact the doctor. Treatment in this case will necessarily include antibiotics that will prevent pneumonia.

If the allergic edema became the wine of suffocation, the patient should use an antihistamine: diphenhydramine, suprastin or taewegil. In addition, it is given to take ¼ cup 10% solution of calcium gluconate or calcium chloride. If the reception of these drugs did not give results, do an injection of prednisolone in a dosage of 2 ml.

When night attacks of suffocation are repeated because of bronchial asthma, treatment with drugs that eliminate bronchospasm: ephedrine, theoephedrine, antasmans is necessary. The attack can be removed by resorting to inhalers or aerosols, if it is possible to provide the required level of inhalation. Choking due to bronchial asthma will help to remove massaging of the upper body. Massage movements are performed, starting from the head downwards - along the back and chest.

When the attack of asthma arose unexpectedly, and alongside there are no necessary medicines, you can try using the means that are at hand. For example, ammonia, which should be given a sniff; or small pieces of ice that the patient must swallow. Tincture of sputum is promoted by tincture of valerian, and also soda.

Treatment of nocturnal attacks of suffocation with homeopathic remedies

Therapy with homeopathic remedies is now combined with traditional medicine. The goal of homeopathy in this case is the formation of optimal immunological reactivity.

Homeopaths recommend Ipecacuanha, Sambucus and Moschus. If the attacks of suffocation are severe, when the pressure in the chest increases even from a small movement, the lungs have wheezing, and the cough is dry and convulsive, there is every reason for taking Ipecacuanha.

Sambucus is recommended if an allergic reaction has touched the bronchi and night attacks are accompanied by convulsive coughing, spasms in the larynx and thorax, breath with whistles, shortness of breath, fears, trembling.

Moschus is used for choking, which have hysterical symptoms.

Cuprum metallicum sometimes can eliminate an attack in just minutes. It is exclusively about coughing, which becomes weaker if you drink a small sip of cold water.

In periods between attacks, homeopathic treatment has certain advantages due to the gradual effect on the reactivity of immunity.

In addition to these drugs, Spongia and Antimonium tartar-icum are used to eliminate recurrent seizures. If the disease is characterized by a convulsive cough, similar to tuberculosis, then prescribe Drosera, Rumex and Sticta pulmonaria. If suffocation often happens at night, and the patient at the time of an attack of suffocation takes a pose sitting and moves forward, and sputum is viscous and with mucus, he is recommended treatment with Kalium bichromicum.

Herbal Treatment

Traditional medicine categorically advise against acute night attacks of suffocation to begin treatment with alternative prescriptions. But the use of alternative medicine is justified as a preventive measure. This treatment takes time and regularity, only then the effect will be noticeable.

• Broth of a dogrose

In the dog rose contains many antioxidants and vitamins. One of the many beneficial properties of rose hips is a beneficial effect on the vessels. To prepare a curative infusion, take 2 tablespoons of crushed fruits, pour water at room temperature and leave for 10-12 hours. Then infusion filter and drink ½ cup before eating.

With prolonged asphyxiation, a recipe from strawberry leaves is effective. It will help to cope with high blood pressure and will have a mild diuretic effect.

• Leaves of wild strawberry

1 tablespoon of leaves pour 0.5 liters of water, boil on a fire, until half of the water evaporates. The broth is taken 1 tablespoon every two hours.

• Lobster tea broth

As an expectorant use a decoction of wild rosemary. In addition, it has an antiallergic effect. 1 tbsp. Spoon the herbs pour a glass of boiling water, boil in water for up to 10 minutes. Take 1 tbsp. Spoon 4-5 times during the day.

Treatment with alternative means

There are many alternative drugs known to help prevent a night attack of suffocation.

• Massage

A little dry wine or ¼ tsp. Soda shortly before the session will help liquefy phlegm, which is usually thick and poorly separated from bronchial asthma. Massage starts from the head, gradually shifting to the chest.

• Breathing exercises

Breathing exercises can also be very effective. Developed even special techniques for breathing exercises, which are taken from the practice of yoga. An excellent opportunity to practice deep exhalations is filling balloons. Two daily inflated balls will prevent attacks of suffocation. If you train the shallow breathing, you can stop the intensification of the attack. For this, short breaths and exhalations are practiced so that the entire possible volume of lungs is involved. With each such inhalation and exhalation, it is necessary to stop breathing for a few seconds.

• Nettle

A unique method of alternative healers that instantly relieves an attack. To do this, the dried leaves are thrown into a diluted fire, and the emerging smoke is inhaled. The result will appear immediately. People suffering from nocturnal attacks of suffocation, you must first stock up on nettle. It is not necessary to light a bonfire - this will be sufficient for a conventional gas cooker and deep utensils.

• Home Elixir

For 200 g of honey, aloe juice, butter and 200 ml of vodka, mix thoroughly and drink 1 tsp. Before eating 3 times a day.

In addition to these recipes, there is an opinion that in cases of asphyxiation associated with cardiac dysfunction, the use of goat's milk, rich in potassium, that helps restore the functioning of the cardiovascular system will help.

Physiotherapy for night attacks of suffocation

During periods of exacerbation of asthma, physiotherapy methods focus on reducing or eliminating spasm of bronchi, resumption of ventilation and drainage function in the bronchi and lungs.

In seizures, many methods are used, but the best results show treatment with the help of electric currents, high-frequency fields and ultrasound. For this, an apparatus of 80-100 volts is used. The course of treatment consists of 6-8 daily, each of which lasts 10-15 minutes.

Inductothermy. It lies in the superposition between the inductor blades - with a current strength of 180-220 mA. The course is designed for 10-12 daily sessions for 10-15 minutes.

For the treatment of recurring attacks, microwave therapy, phonophoresis, and DMV therapy are also used.

To prevent recurrences of asthmatic attacks, inhalations of drugs that have a bronchodilator or expectorant effect are used. For the therapy of vasomotor rhinitis, allergic rhinosinusopathy is prescribed electrophoresis of calcium chloride and diphenhydramine.

In order to influence the higher regulatory centers of the nervous system, use electrosleep. To achieve desensitization and activation of airflow into the lungs, use aeroionotherapy with negative charges. At the same time, treatment aimed at overall health promotion is used.

Prevention

This is as important an issue as treatment. In particular, this applies to patients who are at risk: smokers, people with hereditary predisposition, workers with difficult working conditions, suffering from atopic dermatitis. In fact, everything is not so difficult, you need to follow certain rules:

• regularly clean indoors;
• try to get rid of things that collect dust;
• use air cleaners;
• often ventilate the room;
• Do not neglect the rules of personal hygiene;
• Keep an eye on the cleanliness of the animals kept in the house;
• to minimize in a home aeroallergens (perfumery, household chemicals, etc.);
• go on vacation to where the mild maritime climate;
• balanced healthy diet;
• to live an active lifestyle.

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Forecast

The prognosis depends entirely on the severity of the attack, on how soon the help was given, and on the cause that caused the asphyxiation. If the airways overlap entirely, the lethal outcome comes quickly - perhaps even before the arrival of physicians. Because of recurrences of attacks, there is a constant oxygen starvation of the body, which affects the work of almost all organs.

In medical practice for treatment of night attacks of suffocation do not resort to an operative measure, but traditional medicine and alternative healers have at their disposal a whole arsenal of funds that helps to cope with the disease. The main thing is to establish the cause of seizures and choose a set of effective treatment measures.