Nocturnal asthma can make sleeping seem restless. With symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, nocturnal asthma is a lung condition that needs proper treatment and management. Asthma symptoms at night may be more severe than during the daytime. According to this asthma study, nocturnal asthma is linked to an increased risk of mortality.
The best way to combat nighttime asthma is to learn what triggers the condition. The allergists at NY Allergy & Sinus Centers are here to help you combat nocturnal asthma and improve your overall quality of life.
Causes of Nocturnal Asthma
Nocturnal asthma is often underreported, and doctors are still unsure of the exact reason asthma symptoms are worse during sleep. However, there are many causes that explain the prevalence of this lung disease. One explanation includes increased mucus. Increased drainage from your sinuses triggers nighttime asthma. When lying down, it is easier for mucus to drain to the back of your throat.
Indoor allergens also explain increased asthma symptoms at night. Dust mites are a major allergen known to cause wheezing and difficulty breathing. Dust mites are almost impossible to avoid, but you can reduce them by using an allergy-proof pillow and mattress covers. We also suggest seeking professional allergy treatment for your dust mite allergy. At NY Allergy & Sinus Centers, we offer personalized treatment plans to help you feel better fast.
Along with indoor allergens, lying down seems to cause more severe asthma symptoms at night. Lying in a reclining position may predispose you to nighttime asthma symptoms. To minimize your symptoms, do not lie flat while sleeping. Prop yourself up with pillows to help you breathe better at night.
Nocturnal asthma may also be explained by the use of air conditioning. Breathing colder air at night causes loss of heat from the airways, triggering nighttime asthma symptoms. If you notice more severe symptoms in colder temperatures, try sleeping with the air conditioning at a higher temperature or set it to low.
Nocturnal Asthma Prevention
Nighttime asthma is easy to manage with the proper treatment plan. Ask our Board Certified Physicians how you can reduce inflammation with inhaled corticosteroids. It may also help to use a peak flow meter to monitor how your lung function is altered throughout the day and night. It’s important to re-evaluate your treatment plan as needed to manage long term asthma.
If you suffer from allergies, consider immunotherapy (allergy shots) at NY Allergy & Sinus Centers. Studies have shown that allergy shots can actually prevent asthma from developing in allergic individuals. Call (212) 686-4448 to manage your nocturnal asthma today!