Follow-Up:
Hello Lee :-) It sounds like from what you've described, you may be suffering from asthma. I had similar experiences years ago where I would wake up suddenly, sit up in my bed and gasp for air. I felt also that I was breathing through a straw. This happened for a few months, but I know longer have it. My doctor said it was asthma and prescribed a temporary inhaler for me to use. At first when this would happen, I would panic, but after a while I learned how to deal with it. I would just relax and breath slowly until my lungs came back to normal, and I was able to breathe with ease. Lee, I can't be positive this is what's happening to you though. Please check with your doctor as soon as possible as this could be a sign of asthma or something more serious. Best wishes from Kayla :-) p.s. Lee, when I quit my stressful job, my asthma mysteriously disappeared. Something to think about.