Nocturnal Asthma Causes. The exact reason that asthma is worse during sleep are not known, but there are explanations that include increased exposure to allergens; cooling of the airways; being in a reclining position; and hormone secretions that follow a circadian pattern.
Reducing bedroom allergens: Dust mites and pest residue in the bedroom can trigger nighttime asthma. Eliminating or reducing exposure to these triggers can make a huge difference. Wash bedding regularly and vacuum and dust weekly. Using allergen-proof bedding, like pillows and mattress covers, can help as well.
The best sleeping position for an asthmatic patient has effectively been proven to be sleeping on the left side. Sleeping on the left side increases the airway space and reduces excessive mucus production, and reduces sinus drainage.
Symptoms of an asthma attack
your symptoms are getting worse (cough, breathlessness, wheezing or tight chest) your reliever inhaler (usually blue) is not helping. you're too breathless to speak, eat or sleep. your breathing is getting faster and it feels like you cannot catch your breath.
People have observed for decades that asthma symptoms seem to worsen at nighttime. As many as 75% of people with asthma—20 million in the United States--report worsening severity at night. Although many factors influence asthma severity, the role of the circadian system is unclear.
This makes it harder for air to flow easily through your airways, and it becomes harder to breathe. This causes asthma symptoms, also known as an asthma episode, flare-up, or attack. It can happen at any time. Mild symptoms may only last a few minutes while more severe asthma symptoms can last hours or days.
It is considered safe for kids age 2 years and older, provided you follow the package directions carefully. However, Vicks will not relieve an asthma cough in a child with asthma. It is important NOT to rely on over the counter formulas such as Vicks to treat asthma.
Most people with asthma have a dry cough, one that does not produce mucous. This happens when the airways constrict in response to an irritant and is a feature of asthma. As well as the cough there is often a high-pitched wheeze sound that is also caused by the constricted airway.
Sleeping with your head elevated or on your side can take some pressure off your lungs and allow more oxygen to flow in, letting you sleep more soundly.
Sleeping. Lie on your side with a pillow between your legs and your head elevated with pillows. Keep your back straight. Lie on your back with your head elevated and your knees bent, with a pillow under your knees.
Experts typically recommend sleeping on the side as the best position for breathing problems like snoring and pauses in breathing caused by obstructive sleep apnea.
September is the most dangerous month for people with asthma because ragweed pollen, mold and upper respiratory infections can trigger severe attacks.
Changes in aging lungs can also make asthma worse. Other age-related health issues that can be confused with asthma, such as: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Other lung diseases.
Tell the operator that someone is having an asthma emergency. Keep giving the person 4 separate puffs, taking 4 breaths for each puff, every 4 minutes until emergency assistance arrives.
Adults and Children: one or two puffs, repeated four-hourly as required. Initial doses in the elderly may be lower than the recommended adult dose. Your doctor may tell you to take extra puffs of your VENTOLIN puffer if your chest condition suddenly gets worse.
Types of quick-relief medications include: Short-acting beta agonists. These inhaled, quick-relief bronchodilators act within minutes to rapidly ease symptoms during an asthma attack. They include albuterol (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA, others) and levalbuterol (Xopenex, Xopenex HFA).
Caffeinated drinks
Caffeine, found in drinks like black and green tea or coffee, may improve lung function and help dilate your airways. Coffee has compounds like methylxanthines and caffeine that studies show could reduce the risk of recurring symptoms.
Short-acting beta-agonists are the first choice for quick relief of asthma symptoms. They include albuterol (ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA), epinephrine (Asthmanefrin, Primatene Mist), and levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA).