Loud Snoring and Breathing Difficulties at Night

Snoring, difficulty breathing?

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask about my husband, who is 45 years old.
He snores very loudly every night, and in the middle of his sleep, he suddenly takes a deep breath and then starts coughing violently and rapidly.
This happens once every day.
What could be the cause of this? Is it a disease?

Juan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/12/01

Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology

Respiratory arrest can be classified into central and peripheral types.
It is recommended to conduct a sleep study after outpatient evaluation for a comprehensive assessment.
Wishing you safety and well-being.

Reply Date: 2023/12/01

More Info

Loud snoring and breathing difficulties during sleep can be indicative of several underlying conditions, the most common of which is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when the throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway during sleep. This can lead to loud snoring, gasping for air, and even choking sounds, which may explain the sudden deep breaths and coughing your husband experiences during the night.

In OSA, the airway becomes partially or completely obstructed, leading to a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood. This can cause the brain to wake the person up briefly to reopen the airway, which often results in fragmented sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness. Other symptoms of OSA may include morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and a dry mouth upon waking.

Several factors can contribute to the development of OSA, including obesity, age, gender (it is more common in men), and anatomical factors such as a thick neck, enlarged tonsils, or a deviated septum. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, can also exacerbate the condition.

Given that your husband is experiencing these symptoms regularly, it is crucial that he seeks medical evaluation. A healthcare provider may recommend a sleep study (polysomnography) to monitor his sleep patterns, breathing, and oxygen levels during the night. This study can help confirm a diagnosis of OSA or rule out other potential sleep disorders.

In addition to OSA, other conditions could cause similar symptoms, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or even gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can lead to coughing during sleep. Therefore, a thorough evaluation is essential to determine the exact cause of his symptoms.

Treatment options for OSA may include lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and sleeping on one's side instead of the back. In more severe cases, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy may be recommended, which involves wearing a mask that delivers air pressure to keep the airway open during sleep. Other interventions may include dental devices that reposition the jaw or, in some cases, surgical options to remove excess tissue from the throat.

It's important to address these symptoms promptly, as untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications, including cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure, diabetes, and increased risk of accidents due to daytime drowsiness.

In summary, your husband's loud snoring and episodes of gasping for air during sleep could be indicative of obstructive sleep apnea or another sleep-related disorder. A consultation with a healthcare provider is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. Encouraging him to seek medical attention will not only improve his sleep quality but also enhance his overall health and well-being.

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