Last night, about 2 hours into my sleep, I awoke with a start and couldn't breathe. I ran in the bathroom and tried desperately to force air into my lungs, but all I could do for a couple of minutes was get in a small amount accompanied with the sound of choked breathing, kinda like when you get the wind knocked out of you.

Had a strong presence of stomach acid in my throat that took awhile to get out, so I guess this was my introduction to acid reflux. I was sleeping on my left side, halfway on my stomach.

Scared hell out of me, plan on seeing my doctor.
Anybody experience something similar and what did you do?

I used to battle this from time to time. It was bad enough that I sent to the doc about it and took pills for a while. I finally decided to lose some weight as the pills helped but didn't cure the issue. I went on the low carb diet and I don't know why but within days I noticed the issue went away. And the odd thing is if I take a day off from the diet then that night I get the worst acid reflux. I won't swear the two are connected but I am still on the diet, still shedding pounds, and I sleep soooooo much better now. No pills, chewables, nothing in months now.

See your doc ASAP!

Probably reflux as you surmised. You'll likely be prescribed Zantac, Pepcid, or some other acid reducer.

You could have a hiatal hernia but there's not much you can do about that.

Don't eat anything after about 7:00 pm. Don't stuff yourself at dinner. Avoid really spicy/garlicky food at dinner.

Keep Tums at your bedside. Take 2-3 whenever you have an attack. Alka Seltzer or baking soda and water also help.

Best wishes.

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USAF, 69-92
Vietnam, 72-73

I went through this a few years back and got to the point I had ulcers in my esophagus and I literally couldn't swallow food, my throat would lock up and spasm when I tried to eat. The ulcers were treated and my Dr. recommended I have a Nissen fundiplication (spelling?) done. Biggest mistake I ever made. This is where they draw the top of your stomach up and sew it to your esophagus so acid can no longer get into your esophagus. They big drawback to this surgery is that you can no longer burp or vomit. Both of which can be very important!

The night of the surgery I was sick from the morphine and started heaving and tore the surgery out. The surgeon didn't believe I had torn it so I suffered with my stomach herniated through my diaphragm for a couple weeks before I made them reverse the surgery. While they were reversing it they punctured my right lung and never finished reversing the surgery.
I was supposed to go to Maine Med in Portland to have the reversing completed but I had heard bad things about the Dr I was sent to there, coupled with the fact that he and I didn't agree on how to proceed, he wanted to redo the surgery and I just wanted it undone. I never had the third operation done so here, years later my stomach is still herniated through my diaphragm.

My advice for you is to take the acid reducing medication, follow the advice above, don't lie down for 3-4 hours after eating and regulate it through diet any way you can. If surgery is recommended, run away FAST!
Sorry to run on but this subject is near and dear to me!

madmikeb, now we know why the first part of your name is mad.
That does not sound good at all.

My gastroenterologist did an upper GI endoscope and "balloned"[ stretched] my esophagus at the top of my stomach. Acid from my stomach eroded a "step" there and made it hard to swallow and pass food into my stomach. That done ,the only other thing I needed was Prylosec [Omeprazole] every morning. That was about 15 years ago and I've never been troubled with that problem again. Nick

I should have said the outcome, I take Protonix every morning, watch what I eat, (can't overeat or I fell really bad), stay upright and active for a few hours after I eat and have no real issues.

Similar results here - I used to take a couple Tums every night before bed or a pepcid. When I went low carb over 2 years ago acid reflux went away almost immediately - I was amazed - in fact I probably haven't had any antacid at anytime since then. Lost 55+ lbs along the way - the villains are grains, starches and added sugar - basically anything processed or refined. Stay away from the center aisles in the grocery stores - eat what your grandparents ate!

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Lou

I lived with reflux for 30 years. Antacid tablets were my constant companions. Many foods had to be avoided at all costs (bananas, citrus fruit, anything with chili powder or curry, tomato sauces, most any fried foods).

Learned to control my eating, limiting myself to smaller portions, avoided overeating to any degree.

About 10 years ago the doc started me on Prylosec. Life changed completely. I can now eat anything I want every day without discomfort. Later switched over to generic omeprazole 20mg once daily, available over the counter at most drug stores, costing me less than $20 per month, with excellent results.

By all means, consult your physician first and follow medical advice, make sure that anything you take (prescriptions or over the counter products) will not conflict with any other medications you are taking.

I have introduced dozens of people to the omeprazole in recent years and all have reported very good results.

I have had my esophagus stretched several times, the last being about three months ago. I take Protonix in the morning and keep some Gaviscon around to take when needed.
Different foods affect different people so try to figure out what causes you a problem and stay away from it. Above all DO NOT not overload your stomach in the evening.
Greasy and highly spiced foods i cannot handle.

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Mighty 90's,Trying 4 a 100!

Have had for years, but as Maximumbob54 said, (follow his advice). I keep the generic Zantac in stock all the time. I know if I eat too late, or too spicy (pizza, ribs, etc.) I will have a problem so I take a Zantac before going to bed and am usually fine. elevating the head of the bed a little also helps.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I take Nexium or the generica Esomep 40 at the evening to reduce the acid.( not cheap)
But much more important is to keep your stomach working. My very very smart Dr. Swisswife
recommends to take Motilium (very cheap) in the morning, before lunch and dinner.
This do the trick for me. The downside of the reduced acid is, that some stuff goes further
than only into the stomach. This nutrition-parts might be a reason
for allergies, which your internal system can develop. But this a temporary thing and disappears,
when you stop or reduce the acid-blocker.
And see your doc, for an internal TV-show of the throat and stomach, says Dr. Swisswife

Swissman, the compassioned messenger

Prilosec OTC. (Omeprazole) Years ago, I thought I was having a heart attack. Sent me to the ER. Scoped me, EKGed me and Cathed me. Nothing. Turned out to be Esophageal reflux. Been on the prescription version of Prilosec,Omeprazole ever since. No problems. Be careful with Zantac. It can cause Gynecomastia. Enlarged breast tissue in men.

I was put on Prylosec when it was prescription only and take it now that it's on the shelf. Best drug they ever made, I can eat anything, drink anything, and there's no 2 a.m. atomic tests in my stomach.

Yours sounds a lot worse than what I had so go to the doctor for sure.

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LIVE FROM THE DAWGHOUSE

years ago I started on Zantac and if I skipped an evening I would wake up with the same symptoms (losing weight would not hurt

Recently I have been trying Prilosec but still take Zantac - but I take the 150mg ones - but ensure you talk to a good doctir first.

Prilosec everyday for several years.

I started out with mid night acid chokes, graduated to food sticking in my throat while eating.

The Prilosec works!

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GOA
USA Shooting Supporter

Thought I was having a heart attack; went to the ER. Turned out to be reflux. Now omeprazole is in the nightly pile o' pills.

Hope you feel better.

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Don't need no stinkin' sigline

In addition to all the medicines members have recommended above and after you find what works for you, you might elevate the head of your bed just slightly. Doctor recommended and works for me. After checking several thickness brick and boards I finally settled on a 2x4 laid flat under each side of the headboard. The 1 1/2" thickness of the board helps me.

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James
On the Llano Estacado

I've had reflux, GERD, and gastroparesis (occasional slow digestion) for years. And after doing tons of tests was told to just control the symptoms as best I could with PPI drugs (Prilosec, Prevacid, etc).

For the last 6-7 years, I have woke up every morning feeling nauseous, puked 1-5 times, then felt fine and gone about my day. I figured this was counted as controlling my symptoms.

Well the other day I went to the ENT and he scoped me through my nose and told me my esophagus is totally red and burnt out from stomach acid. I've been doubling my PPI and sleeping sitting upright for the last five nights. And guess what - waking up every morning with no nausea! 7 years and all I had to do was sleep upright?!!

I gotta wait a week for a steroid treatment to see if it reduces inflammation, then have to go get scoped to see how bad the damage is. Reading online about symptoms can really get you scared, and even though I don't have many of the more major symptoms, I am scared to death of Barrett's esophagus.

Get it checked out -- esophogeal cancer is the fastest rising cancer in the country, and acid reflux is one of the prime causes. An endoscopy is painless and hassle-free and will give you a quick and accurate diagnosis. Get it done!

One herb that's been used is Marshmallow Root...
it contains amucilage quality which helps to coat the esophagus and stomach lining, creating a protective barrier against stomach acid.
Note: while marshmallow is totally safe and non-toxic, because of its mucilaginous qualities, it may interfere with the absorption of other medications, so take it on its own.

To reduce acid, none better than charcoal made from willow tree bark. Ground to a powder and taking a little less than a 1/4 teaspoon will neutralize acid... PDQ!

Yeah, I know.. it's a lot easier to pick-up a box of meds at the drug store... but some times you're also buying the side effects.
If you've been taking Zantac, Prilosec, etc., any side effects?
"Willie" still firm?

I now sleep at an incline, [ the check valves are gone now.] I have no stomach so to speak and went through cancer treatments and surgery.

Stomach cancer cold been caused by acid reflux.

It has been since 03 Mar 2013 and I am the beating the 11% survival stats.

Stomach cancer is a t sneaky one. When found it is usually too late.

Ask about an endoscopy EDG.
They test routinely in NOT HERE.

So that being said.
God must have a plan me or I would be gone now.
Thank you Big Guy, I hope I deserve it.

Not taking anything as this choking thing is the first time I have had anything bad happen as a result of stomach acid in my 61 years. I thought I was gonna die and there wasn't a damn thing I could do about it because I couldn't get any air past what felt like a collapsed airway.
Sure, I've had heartburn, but some baking soda in water always was a quick and satisfying cure. Relief was just a burp or two away.
This thing last night was a WHOLE different ballgame.

Thanks for all the helpful responses.
Yes, I will see my doctor.

I've taken them all for years. Personally, I find that I get cramps on the Nexium/Prilosec strain of the PPI, but the Aciphex/Protonix/Prevacid strains don't bother me that way.

Try to stay away from the Tums for everyday use. I was having similar problems. I ended up going through a bottle a week. I starting having issues from that and finally saw the doctor who put me on Prilosec.

Be aware that it is a fine line with all meds, if I go without the meds for a couple of days all the problems flare up quickly.

Diagnosed last year with Barrett's Syndrome-precursor of throat cancer, basically caused by acid reflux. GET AN UPPER GI/ENDOSCOPY EVERY YEAR!.
1. If the choking occurs, try breathing through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.
2. I'm on prilosec/omeperazole daily (Dr says ok to use for years!). Walmart is a couple of dollars cheaper than Costco.
3. In a few cases, I'll still get heartburn, and I'll take one ranitidine, if it occurs (heartburn, that is)

I had it once, not quite as bad as the OP's, but definitely acid coming up into my throat and mouth. Went to Bethesda the next day, got a great conservative Indian MD who, while he did prescribe a look at my throat because I said I felt something there (he knew it was just the result of the burn, but wanted to alleviate my concerns), told me that I just had to eat differently, and not stuff myself at the evening meal. It may be a different story for some people, thus a visit to a GOOD doctor is advisable, but his advice to me has been sufficient. He advised that if a meal was to be heavy, it should be mid-day, when it would be followed by vertical posture.

My cousin, who is overweight, and also overeats (imagine those two happening in the same person!), has apparently the same problem, but was advised to sleep in a bed with the head of the bed significantly higher than the foot. It seems to work for him.

I prefer the method prescribed for me.

He's right. "Omeprazole" It's magic.

One other tip. Ask your doc to test for helicobacter (h.pylori). It's a nasty critter that can cause stomach problems including ulcers.

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USAF, 69-92
Vietnam, 72-73

My wife and BIL swear by Nexium. It is now over the counter, no prescription needed!

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Copyright MCMLXII ©

I had the same experience 25+ years ago and let it go. I ended up vomiting blood and hitting the ER. I had 7 GI scopes in 18 months as they were trying to decide if my esophagal scarring was Barretts or benign. After zantac 150 3 times a day alternating with omeprozale every other month I had a Nissen Fundoplasty. Wrap the stomach to reinforce the hernia valve. That was 18 years ago, I now take antacids 2-3 times a year.
Often it may not be the same foods that irritate you as other ones do. I was fine with spicy mexican but Mac and cheese tore me up. See a DR, make a food list of what you eat and when you get reflux and treat it.

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Front sight and squeeze

Not often but I have experienced it a couple times. One time chili I think caused it. Years ago my mother died and I flew home. My dad was hard of hearing. I also woke up and couldnt breth, not a thread of breath! I pounded on the wall that seperated my dads bedroom from mine. He couldnt hear me. I really thought I had bought it! Eventualy I did get a thread of air and recovered but I was afraid to go to sleep again. I had a identical experiance years later right after I retired in 2000. I had been banged up in a accident and didnt go to a doctor. I had a lump on my knee and didnt worry about it. It almost killed me. I got a pulmonary embolism from it. I again thought I had bought it. I was home alone as a batchlor and got hit. Again, for awhile I thought I was a gonner. I had no pain at all but couldnt get a whisper of air in my lungs. Actualy, I WAS breathing, screaming for air but NO oxygen was goin in my lungs. At first I thought it was a mental problem. Obviously I finaly did get some air and recovered but although I was a couple steps from the phone I couldnt even make it to it! I had several warnings prior that I didnt heed. Several days prior I was deer hunting by myself and couldnt get my breath. I chaulked it up to being fat and out of shape. Then the day prior to the attack I was mowing lawn, ran out of air and had to lay on the floor to get my breath back after each lap. Ignored it, again cussed myself out as getting out of shape.
A hour or two after I got my breath back a old GF called me up and wanted to know how I was. Fine! Are you sure? The lord told me to call you! Well, if you must know I might ov just had a heart attack or something! Renee was/is super religious. She sent her BF over who also was a friend of mine. He drove me to the hospital and THEY got excited. I now was feeling fine with no problem and couldnt believe the attention I got while they were doing tests. They slapped me into ICU for over a week. The doc said I had almost died and they didnt want me to move a muscle. I was feeling good but they wouldnt even let me up to pee! I have been on warfarin since. Thats another incident of God watching over me.

Ralph, the loss of breath is caused by heaving up extra acid and then ingesting it into the lungs. A terrible feeling indeed. My body has started to wake me up when it starts. Yes, Prylosec works. Don't eat before bed. and watch what you eat. Nexium has just gone OTC and is said to heal the esophagus as well as preventing attacks.

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Regards, Ron
USASA 1965/69

Sometimes, I wake up gasping for breath, it feels like I can inhale but not exhale. My wife wakes up then and has me hold my hands and arms over my head and relax, the episode soon resolves itself. Wife is a BSN and former Nursing Instructor; she tells me it is a spasm of the esophagus that closes off my airway. She tells me that if I were to pass out the esophagus would automatically relax and normal breathing would resume, I trust her but don't want top find out. It scares me at the time it happens but I have been to doctor and haven't found any eating pattern that I can tie to the episodes. Fortunately they don't happen very often. Hope you can find a solution for your episodes, as other posters have stated a trip to the doctor would seem in order.

Jim in Iowa

As I have said before I had my nose cut off due to cancer. I have another made of my own body parts. Anyway while they did probley save my life I now have trouble especialy when I go to bed I always start gagging and am up and down about 6 or 7 times before I dare fall asleep. I guess its something to do with my sinus`s draining. I have to breath through my mouth as I have next to no nostrils with my new nose. I probley can knock flys out of the air too.

Laryngospasm: What causes it? - Mayo Clinic


CPAP machines are very effective in avoiding this condition. No pills required. Sleep Apnea tests may be in order. Wurked for me.

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Bob