What Exactly Is Night Asthma?

Night asthma is the term used to describe a type of asthma that hits people at night, many times while trying to sleep. Over 3/4 of asthma patients have more severe symptoms at night.

Asthma sufferers have inflamed bronchial tubes, even when not suffering a attack and this inflammation narrows the airways and increases sensitivities to allergies and other triggers. All of this leads to the primary symptom which is difficulty breathing. In some rare cases a severe attack can lead to death.

It is not completely known why asthma symptoms worsen at night but what is known is that night asthma usually indicates that the patients asthma is not being controlled properly and a plan of action must be developed by a physician. By not getting proper treatment for night asthma, the patient will continue to be awakened during the night and eventually wear the body down which in turn leads to worse asthma symptoms.

Night Asthma Treatments

When you go to see the doctor about your night asthma, they will do a physical examination and also look into your full medical history. Exact symptoms are very important because it will give the physician an indication of what medications or type of treatment plan will be developed to control the night asthma.

More than likely, based on symptoms and at what time they hit, long lasting or timed release medicines will be prescribed. These will ensure that when you need it most, the medicine will be effective. The best time to take these is before bed.

Often times, treating other conditions can also help with night asthma. Some of these other issues are acid reflux, sinusitis and rhinitis. Many times these things can cause your asthma symptoms to worsen so treating and controlling them can often times eliminate many of your asthma symptoms.