What is nighttime asthma?
According to Dr. Sulaiman Ladhani, a respiratory specialist at Wockhardt Hospital (Mumbai Central, India), night asthma is a condition in which symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or chest tightness become more severe at night, especially during sleep or early morning. This condition not only causes difficulty sleeping, insomnia, and waking up in the middle of the night, but also affects mental health, work performance, and the quality of daily life.
Why is asthma worse at night?
Hormonal changes and circadian rhythms
At night, the body produces less cortisol, a hormone that plays a natural anti-inflammatory role. When cortisol levels decrease, inflammation in the airways increases, making it more difficult for you to breathe. In addition, the hormone melatonin (which helps regulate sleep) can constrict the airways in some people, making breathing more prone to flare-ups.
Decreased body temperature and lying down
At night, a slight drop in body temperature, combined with cold air or poor ventilation in the bedroom, can irritate the respiratory tract. When you lie on your back, mucus in your lungs can easily stagnate, causing blockage, shortness of breath and coughing. In particular, if you have acid reflux, lying down will make the acid more likely to rise into the esophagus, stimulate the airways and cause a breathing contest.
Stir-ups in the bedroom
The bedroom seems clean but has many potential causes of asthma such as dust, pet dander, mold. If you do not wash your carbs, mattresses or sleep with your pet regularly, the risk of asthma outbreak at night will be even higher.
How to control asthma at night
Take medication according to your doctor's instructions.
Keep your bedroom clean, wash your pillow every week with hot water.
Use an air purifier to remove allergens.
Avoid exposure to allergens such as cigarette smoke, strong perfume, and dirt.
Monitor your sleep and check for sleep apnea or cardiovascular disease.
