Question
I have noticed my boyfriend's irregular breathing during sleep several times. It seems that he will inhale a deep breath and hold it and make small noises as though he is trying to exhale, and then exhales a few seconds later. It seems like he struggles exhaling the breath back out and then once he does, he breaths quickly and shortly as though he can't catch his breath. He has been a smoker for 6 years and quit about two months ago. He was having these irregular breathing spells when he was smoking and still is to this day. He also has a history of depression and feels the most down at night, which may also be a contributing factor. I'm really worried about it, that it may be something neurological.
Answer
If he snores he could be suffering from sleep apnea, which the person literally will gurgle in his sleep or awaken coughing after these noises because he does stop breathing for a few seconds. He needs to go to a sleep center if he finds he is tired during the day. If he is overweight, he could lose 5 pounds and this would help. This is the second thing he should do however if he goes to a pulmonary doctor they can kill 2 birds with one stone. They will test him for any lung problems such as emphysema the beginning since he smokes and can also tell if he has sleep apnea. Your local hospital can refer you to a pulmonary doctor. Go to sleepnet.com click on disorders sleep apnea, then go to american lung association.org click on diseases emphysema. feel free to email again karel
