Asthma patients often find their symptoms and signs worsening during nights. Symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and chest tightness interferes with night sleep and causes fatigue and drowsiness. Night-time asthma is called nocturnal asthma. With this condition it is difficult to control daytime symptoms also. Nocturnal asthma is a life-threatening condition. Studies showed that asthma-related deaths occur more during nights than daytime.
CAUSES OF NOCTURNAL ASTHMA:
Following are the hidden causes of nocturnal asthma:
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Sleeping in air conditioning
- Sleeping in recline position
SYMPTOMS OF NOCTURNAL ASTHMA:
The following are the nocturnal asthma symptoms:
- Chest tightness during night
- Coughing
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Chest pressure
- Disturbed sleep
- Rapid breathing
- Constricted airways
- Shortness of breath
DIAGNOSIS FOR NOCTURNAL ASTHMA:
Checking the bed time peak flow and also peak flow after awaking from sleep is the best and easiest way for diagnosing. If more than 15% difference is observed, this is the cause of the symptoms. Consult the health care provider and follow the therapeutic trial.
TREATMENT FOR NOCTURNAL ASTHMA:
Most patients with this disorder, follow the NHLBI guidelines. The following points can be considered if you suffer from nocturnal asthma:
- Inhaled β2 Adrenergic Agonists: These are similar to rescue inhalers and lasts for more than 6 hours. Salmetrol improves lung functioning overnights, improves quality of sleep and also the overall quality of life.
- Theophylline: Various theophylline have different properties. Uniphyl is a best medication when people experience difficulty in breathing and coughing. With this medicine, theophylline levels decrease during daytime and fewer side effects are experienced by the patients.
- Oral β2 Adrenergic Agonists: Albuterol increases peak flow rates during early hours and decreases shortness of breath and wheezing.
- Inhaled Glucocorticoids: This gives better relief when compared to traditional dosing methods. Azmacort inhaler is a good regimen for nocturnal asthma.
