Why is it difficult for me to breathe when I lay down while having cold?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. The primary likely cause appears to be nasal congestion, particularly more pronounced during sleep, which can lead to a sensation of feeling choked. This congestion often eases when awake and mobile, causing a shift to mouth breathing, which is not as prevalent during sleep. This issue may recur if nasal congestion remains unaddressed. If these symptoms aren't present during daytime, other possibilities such as laryngitis or bronchitis could be considered. A hemogram with total leucocyte count and, if necessary, a chest x-ray are advisable. If you have a history of recurrent nasal congestion, allergic factors should be explored, potentially exacerbated by the current infection. Given the evident infection, escalating antibiotic treatment is warranted; consultation with your doctor is recommended to discuss and obtain medication with consent. Since the response to Amoxicillin over eight days has been limited, I suggest a five-day course of Azee 500 (Azithromycin) tablet once daily. Utilizing steam inhalation, bedtime nasal drops like Xylometazoline, and Betadine gargles can offer relief. Considering a TSH level test might be beneficial to assess thyroid control, as unregulated thyroid function could contribute to fluid retention and heightened nasal congestion.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. Rest assured, there's no need for undue concern, as your current situation likely stems from an infection causing nasal congestion. As part of managing this, continue with steam inhalation until your cold subsides, and incorporate Xylometazoline nasal drops with one drop in each nostril before bedtime to preempt any further episodes. This strategy proves particularly effective due to the phenomenon where, during reclining, fluid from the legs can accumulate in inflamed nasal mucosa, intensifying the sensation of stuffiness. Xylometazoline serves to counteract this process by reducing edema. Alongside this, consider elevating the head of your sleeping position. In cases where your response to Amoxicillin hasn't yielded the desired outcome, it might be prudent to switch to an alternative antibiotic such as Levofloxacin 500 mg tablet, taken once daily for five days. Alternatively, if you observe a significant reduction in the severity of your common cold symptoms, you can opt to continue Amoxicillin alongside Azee. Prior to any modifications in your medication regimen, I recommend consulting your doctor to have a comprehensive discussion, gaining their insights, and securing their consent for the proposed treatment approach.