Just Breathe
Do you consider your asthma "well controlled" when you are having panic moments a few times a week where you wake gasping for breath? This seems a common occurrence for me as my airway becomes blocked while I sleep with a small plug of mucus. I keep imagining the day I won't wake, or I will not be able to cough the mucus loose. That will be the day I pass away of natural causes related to asthma. My moderate-severe asthma is classified as well controlled by my primary care provider. I however do not consider these weekly bouts of airway blockages to be normal or well controlled. With all the meds I am already taking, I am not sure if I should be adding an over-the-counter demulcent to the mix and which ones I can take with Hight blood pressure meds.
- how scary! I'm glad you have logged on and opened up about your respiratory journey. I'm sure others here can relate. Having mucus and the inability to get an adequate breath in sounds jarring, especially being jolted awake by it. I see why it is a trigger and you panic. There is also a thing such as anxiety-induced asthma, which I am all too familiar with. It worsens the whole incident. I assume you've brought this up with your GP (??) It may be time to find a specialist - a pulmonologist, sleep specialist, or other -- here's a link you can click that will bring up an article that could help. https://asthma.net/basics/specialists Though a GP may have basic knowledge of asthma, a specialist ensures proper diagnosis and treatment. I see an immunoallergist and haven't had my asthma better controlled in years. I hope that you get some answers here from others in the community. Taking steps toward finding a specialist could truly help. Wishing you success on this difficult journey. 
Hi Sarah. While it seems like you waking up gasping has a clear cause to you -- the mucus plugs -- I would also suggest that you consider having a sleep study done. There are many different sleep disorders, and there may be underlying issues that are making the situation worse. A sleep doctor could also work with your pulmonologist to suggest ways to sleep more safely.
My heart goes out to you. Please keep us posted! -Melissa, team member
