Night asthma effects over 75% of asthma sufferers. Symptoms may be mild during the day but at night worsen. This is a major problem because it effects your quality of sleep and can negatively impact other aspects of your health.
So how can you prevent night asthma? Well, it is generally impossible to prevent every single flare up of night asthma because of several factors. Just know that by taking some steps you can drastically reduce the severity of your symptoms.
First off, make sure that your bedroom is as allergen free as you can. Try not to have carpet, use plastic blinds instead of drapes and try to keep pets out of your room. Keep your sinuses clear by treating any allergies with a once daily pill. In the winter use a humidifier to keep the air moist and warm. Finally, see a doctor if you feel that you have some form of sleep apnea. This could be contributing to the night asthma and conversely, the asthma could be causing the sleep apnea.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
What Causes Night Asthma?
Many people suffer from night asthma and wonder why there asthma symptoms get worse at night. Some people will be fine during the day and can control there asthma but at night they just can't seem to get control of their symptoms.
The reason behind night asthma has remained somewhat of a mystery. What experts do know is that at night certain bodily functions change at night including lung function which is at the lowest levels around 4:00 am. There have also been studies done recently that show that the hormone melatonin may contribute to night asthma because it may enhance airway inflammation.
Other factors are the common culprits including allergens such as pollen, dust, pet dander etc. As I mentioned earlier, airway inflammation can also increase at night because chemical levels in our body change at night. Other causes can be postnasal drip, heartburn and sleep apnea.
The reason behind night asthma has remained somewhat of a mystery. What experts do know is that at night certain bodily functions change at night including lung function which is at the lowest levels around 4:00 am. There have also been studies done recently that show that the hormone melatonin may contribute to night asthma because it may enhance airway inflammation.
Other factors are the common culprits including allergens such as pollen, dust, pet dander etc. As I mentioned earlier, airway inflammation can also increase at night because chemical levels in our body change at night. Other causes can be postnasal drip, heartburn and sleep apnea.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Night Asthma
Many people with asthma suffer worse symptoms at night. In fact, over 90% of asthma sufferers experience wheezing and coughing while trying to sleep. Between about 12:00 and 8:00 am is the most common time period for night asthma symptoms to worsen with 4:00am being the peak. This is when are lung functions are at the lowest levels and circulating blood levels are also at low levels.
Night asthma can contribute to insomnia and sleep deprivation can develop which can cause many other problems for the individual. Many experts believe that a contributing factor for night asthma is that there is a disruption in our 'internal clock' which controls various chemicals and functions within our body.
If you suffer from night asthma, make sure you see a doctor right away as this could indicate you have a severe case of asthma. It can also be a sign that you are not treating your asthma properly.
Night asthma can contribute to insomnia and sleep deprivation can develop which can cause many other problems for the individual. Many experts believe that a contributing factor for night asthma is that there is a disruption in our 'internal clock' which controls various chemicals and functions within our body.
If you suffer from night asthma, make sure you see a doctor right away as this could indicate you have a severe case of asthma. It can also be a sign that you are not treating your asthma properly.
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