Is it wierd to have breathing problems only at night ? And only when I lay down?

Question

I'm 57 and have always been healthy [other than a few bouts of anxiety after a tramic experiance]. I get up in the morning and have to move slow cause it's hard to breathe, after about 20 minutes I am fine for the rest of the day untill I lay down to go to bed...I lay down and I have such a hard time breathing I have to elevate myself to get to sleep. 
I don't sleep well and keep waking up. 
It's not anxiety ...I took an anxiety pill 4 nights in a row to test it...still had a hard time breathing...
any ideas what else it could be,what I can do  or should I see a doctor? I don't have health insurance as I have never needed it. So I really would rather not go to the doctor's it is way too expensive.

JCDO · Accepted Answer

You definately need to get checked out.  Many cities offer information where there are free clinics that you can go to.  Atleast go to get a full history and physical.  Much of the information that they will ask will narrow down possible causes.  Often times, increased shortness of breath while laying down and lower extremity swelling is associated with congestive heart failure.  It can be managed very easily with lifestyle and diet modifications, and medications if needed.  Some of which are very cheap ($4/month).  CHF can be diagnosed for the most part through physical exam, but an transthoracic echocardiogram will aid in the diagnosis as well.  Either way, you should be examined by a doctor to role out any life threatening conditions.  You will be happy that you did.

Craig · Answer

If you can not lay down flat and if you have swollen ankles is means heart disease... Get it checked out somehow

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Is it wierd to have breathing problems only at night ? And only when I lay down?

2 Answers