There are more than 262 million people who are suffering from asthma. This is known as a non-communicable disease. It’s a condition wherein there is inflammation and narrowing of small airways in the lungs. In 2019, there were at least 461,000 deaths because of the disease. And many people begin to wonder, can you have an asthma attack in your sleep? If you want to know more, this post is for you.
Yes, it is possible to have an asthma attack at night, and this has different factors. In other cases, people who work at night could have an asthma attack during the day while they sleep. According to experts, breathing tests are worse six hours after you go to sleep. While there is no specific medication for ‘nighttime’ asthma, daily medications like inhaled steroids could work as well.
More About Nocturnal Asthma
If you must know, the chances of having asthma symptoms are higher when we sleep. One could experience wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing, which are all dangerous when not addressed. Unfortunately, not all people take nocturnal or nighttime asthma seriously. However, according to studies, most deaths related to asthma happens at night.
What are the Causes of Nocturnal Asthma?
There is no exact reason why asthma gets worse when sleeping. But there could be different factors. For example, one could be exposed to more allergens. Being in a reclined position can be a reason too. Or perhaps, the bronchial function may be altered while we sleep. Let’s talk about these more in the succeeding sections.
Reclined Position
Did you know that being in a reclining position can also start nighttime asthma? This is because the position itself could increase the blood volume in the lungs. Likewise, it may increase airway resistance.
Sinusitis or Increased Mucus
When we sleep, it is natural that our airways may narrow, and there could be airflow resistance. This could result in coughing, which can also trigger for the airways to tighten further. In addition, if there is increased drainage from your sinuses, that can also start an asthma attack.
Exposure to Allergens Such as Dust Mites
You might not notice this, but your bed or mattress might be a breeding ground for allergens, which could trigger an asthma attack. Dust mites could be the culprit, and it is essential that you keep your room or home clean and free from allergens.
Low Epinephrine or High Histamine
Your hormones could also contribute to your condition. For example, if you have low epinephrine, you might have a hard time breathing simply because it’s responsible for relaxing and widening your airways. On the other hand, if you have high histamine, it could restrict the airway and could trigger asthma.
Treatments for Nocturnal Asthma
Take note that nocturnal asthma, like regular asthma, is a chronic condition. That means there is no cure for it. But there are ways to manage it.
Ask Your Doctor for Medications
There’s no specific or special medication for nighttime asthma. The daily medications for regular asthma should work the same. You can have oral medication or inhaled steroids. It’s best to ask your doctors about the best solutions to manage your condition. Take note that there are mild, moderate, and severe cases, and only an expert could determine how to categorize yours.
Learn How to Manage Stress
We encourage that you learn how to manage your stress. Trying out meditation practices or even yoga could help. If you think that writing can improve your physiological state, that could work well too.
Improve Your Weight
If you must know, obesity could be a factor for nocturnal asthma. Thus, you need to be cautious with your diet. Plus, if you have been living a sedentary lifestyle, it’s a must that you change it as soon as you can. But of course, you must consult a professional to identify what activities are best for your condition. For example, doing an intensive workout right away might not do you good.
Learn more about nocturnal or nighttime asthma from this video.
Best Products for Nocturnal Asthma
We have here a few products that could help you manage your asthma. These items are based on the list of treatments and solutions we recommended above.
Dralegend Yoga Mat
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If you want to start improving your physiological health, try yoga. Getting a mat should be one of your investments. We recommend this one from Dralegend for different reasons. You see, it has a skin-friendly material, so you can guarantee not to have irritations while doing your yoga sessions. Also, it has a dual-side anti-skid design perfect for most surfaces. And best of all, it’s easy to clean. As you can be sensitive to allergens, we recommend that you always clean your surroundings and your things. This takes us to our next recommended product.
TOPPIN Bendable Corded Stick Vacuum Cleaner
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Making sure that your home is free from dust and other allergens can also lessen the chances of an asthma attack. And if you want to do the cleaning on your own, this TOPPIN Bendable Corded Stick Vacuum Cleaner should be at the top of your head. The design allows you to steer it even in hard to reach areas. That means, you can thoroughly clean your room. It also has a long power cord, so you don’t have to unplug and plug it again as you move around your ho
Four Seasons Essentials Standard Pillow Protectors
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You might also want to try out these pillow protectors that are not just dustproof. They are also waterproof. It’s made of polyester and polyurethane, which ensure top quality. Many of its users have done their own research first before getting this product. It’s worth your money, and it improves the quality of your sleep. Best of all, you can reduce the risk of having asthma at night.
Conclusion, Can You Have an Asthma Attack in Your Sleep
Asthma attacks could happen at night, and that’s why you have to be cautious. Having a peak flow meter could help as well, so you can measure how well the air moves out of your lungs.
In a nutshell, once you notice early signs of asthma, whether during the day or at night, make sure to consult a doctor. It’s a disease that could be dangerous in the long run. And it is better if you know how to manage it the best way possible.
