Hi, my boyfriend has been waking up in the middle or early morning unable to breathe and starts to wheeze.  This leads to coughing and these spells go on for 5-10 minutes.  They have been going on for almost a month now and we are starting to worry.  He is a smoker, and smoke almost a pack a day..could this be something related to the smoking?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Breathlessness and wheezing are commonly seen with bronchitis and asthma. So better to consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test).PFT will not only diagnose bronchitis or asthma, it will also tell you about severity of the disease and treatment is based on severity only. He may need inhaled bronchodilators (formoterol or albuterol) and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) (budesonide or fluticasone).Don't worry, he will be alright with all these. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your boyfriend. Thanks.