Do I have common symptoms of sleep apnea?

This question was asked in Cincinnati, Ohio on 11/26/2013.
For over a year, I have woken up in the middle of the night a few times a week feeling like I had something stuck in my throat or that I am choking. I immediately start cleaning my throat and spitting. I am a female, age 28, 140 lbs. What could this be?

Doctors Answers (2)

SomnoDiagnostics, Inc.
Answered on: 4/18/2014

The complaints you report are common. Although you are not obese, you certainly can have sleep apnea. Speak with your PCP or sleep physician to start a plan for evaluation.

J. Douglas Hudson, MD, DABSM
Answered on: 12/5/2013

Awakening in the middle of the night with a choking sensation is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea but acid reflux can cause similar choking sensations. Weight is not an issue as half of sleep apnea patients are of normal weight. Being overweight one risk factor for sleep apnea and acid reflux but you are not likely overweight unless you are very short. A complete history would include such questions as: Do you snore? Do you have to get up in the night to urinate? Do you have indigestion? Are you sleepy in the daytime?