Why does asthma get worse at night
Sufferers can be woken up several times, leading to tiredness, poor concentration and difficulty controlling asthma symptoms during the day, in both adults and children.
This can have a significant impact on quality of life. More asthma-related deaths and severe attacks happen at night, so nocturnal asthma is a serious condition that requires preventative steps and effective treatment.
The exact reason why asthma might be worse for some people at night is unclear although certain factors are thought to play a role and there are things you can do to minimise your risk. It is not known exactly why asthma is worse at night for some people, although there are certain factors that can make asthma attacks at night more likely. Triggers for asthma attacks at night are:. Asthma symptoms occur when the airway becomes inflamed and constricts to make breathing difficult.
Common nocturnal asthma symptoms are:. If you have asthma symptoms at night, but have not been diagnosed with asthma , you should see a doctor or nurse specialist. If you do have a diagnosis, you should make sure that potential night-time triggers have been addressed in your asthma plan.
Certain groups of people with asthma are more likely to experience nocturnal asthma due to certain risk factors which include:. While there is no cure for asthma, there are plenty of way to help prevent night-time asthma and remedies to stop an asthma cough at night.
Tips for reducing the symptoms of nocturnal asthma are:. Alleviating some of your nocturnal asthma symptoms can be as simple as changing your sleeping position. One study found that the supine sleep position lying on your back improved night-time asthma symptoms and constricts your lungs less than lying on your stomach or side.
The best sleeping position for asthma patients is to prop yourself up with extra pillows. This will help to keep the airways open and reduce your risk of a night-time cough. There is no cure for nocturnal asthma, although there are treatments to get it under control. Discuss your symptoms with your GP or asthma nurse and they will be able to recommend the best treatment plan for you. Medical treatment for nighttime asthma could include:.
Causes and triggers of Night-time asthma It is not known exactly why asthma is worse at night for some people, although there are certain factors that can make asthma attacks at night more likely. Triggers for asthma attacks at night are: Sleeping position. Certain sleeping positions, such as lying on your side or your front, can constrict your lungs, potentially making nocturnal asthma symptoms worse.
Undergo a test to diagnose sleep apnea and take treatments if required. Asthma causes sleep disturbances and usually wakes up people from sleep, so it is unusual to die because of asthma during sleeping, unless heavily sedated for some other reason. However, asthma can be fatal if you are not seeking proper medical attention to treat worsening symptoms. Generally, steam or vaporizer can liquefy mucus when breathing problems are caused by an allergy or cold.
This can help a person feel better. On the other hand, asthma is caused by chronic inflammation of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Steam or vaporizer can cause irritations and worsen breathing problems. Researchers have revealed that the hormone melatonin plays a vital role in improving the sleep cycle in asthma patients. Melatonin helps in regulating human circadian rhythms and is believed to have sleep-inducing activity.
Additionally, melatonin studies suggest that it affects smooth muscle tone and inflammation too. Both of which helps in improving the sleep cycle for asthma patients at night. Coughing is one of the symptoms of nocturnal asthma, which can be reduced by taking two teaspoons of honey with warm water or cinnamon before you go to bed.
Honey can increase saliva production, which can ease your cough by lubricating your airways and reduce inflammation in the bronchial tubes that causes breathing difficulty.
However, many patients with mild asthma have reported of using a CPAP machine without any problems. Visit your doctor as soon as you suspect that you have asthma or asthma-like symptoms.
Seeking immediate medical attention from an urgent care near you can also help you control an asthma attack and manage the symptoms. Category: Asthma. Family Care Centers Medical Group has provided quality primary care and urgent care services to the residents of Orange County since Our team of experienced and dedicated healthcare professionals is committed to providing exceptional medical care in a caring and compassionate environment. At our urgent care centers at Irvine , Fountain Valley , and Costa Mesa , we offer immediate attention to minor medical emergencies, including cuts, bruises, scrapes, sprains, strains, broken bones, sore throats, flu, and workplace injuries.
Our primary care doctors at Irvine, Fountain Valley, and Costa Mesa centers are ready to take care of all your primary healthcare needs, like the flu shot, physical examination, and treatment for acute or chronic illnesses. Your email address will not be published. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach. Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Health Topics. Health Tools. By Beth W. Reviewed: May 30, Medically Reviewed. Your circadian rhythm causes some of your hormone levels to fall at night. Lower levels of hormones can cause your airways to narrow slightly. Dust mites. Your pillows, blankets, and mattress can all be a haven for these microscopic insect-like pests and their waste. The second medication is a rescue inhaler.
This inhaler will provide a quick relief of symptoms during an asthma attack. The medication relaxes the airway muscles, which opens the lungs and allows unconstructed airflow. If you or your child wakes up with an asthma attack , do not panic.
You should simply begin administering the rescue medication. If for whatever reason, you do not have a rescue inhaler, then call emergency services. Also, people with asthma and parents of those with asthma should keep in mind that only the rescue inhaler can stop an asthma attack. The two types of medications are not interchangeable. If the attack does not subside after a couple uses of the rescue inhaler, then call emergency services for further help.
Asthma attacks can happen any time and in any place. If you are experiencing asthma symptoms multiple times per week, then see your health care provider to discuss adjustments to your asthma care plan.
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