Äkkihengenahdistus

Äkkihengenahdistus, also known as paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND), is a sudden and severe shortness of breath that occurs during sleep. It typically wakes a person up from sleep and is often accompanied by coughing and wheezing. The feeling can be frightening, and individuals may experience a sense of suffocation.

This condition is most commonly associated with congestive heart failure. When a person with heart failure lies down, fluid can accumulate in the lungs. During sleep, this fluid buildup can lead to a decrease in lung capacity and oxygen exchange, triggering the sensation of breathlessness. Other potential causes include certain respiratory diseases like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as anxiety disorders.

Symptoms of äkkihengenahdistus can include gasping for air, a feeling of chest tightness, rapid heart rate, and sometimes sweating. People experiencing this often find relief by sitting up or standing. They may also experience relief after a few minutes of being upright as the fluid redistributes.

Diagnosis involves a medical evaluation, which may include a physical examination, listening to the heart and lungs, and potentially further tests like chest X-rays, electrocardiograms (ECG), and echocardiograms to assess heart function. Treatment focuses on the underlying cause. For heart failure, it often involves medications to improve heart function, reduce fluid buildup, and manage blood pressure. For respiratory conditions, inhaled medications or other therapies may be prescribed.