Nocturnal Asthma
This information is provided by Glaxo, Inc. Published in May 1995.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a condition involving very sensitive airways in the lungs. Muscles surrounding the airways constrict, narrowing the passageway, making it very difficult to breathe. The lining of the airways becomes inflamed and swollen. An excess of mucus clogs the airways and makes breathing even more difficult. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breathe, and tightness in the chest.
There are many factors that can trigger an asthma episode. Triggers include substances in the air like dust, smoke, animal dander, and chemical fumes. Some people may be affected by strenuous exercise, cold air, and even emotional stress.
Nocturnal Asthma
Nocturnal asthma is the occurrence of asthma symptoms at night or in the early morning hours. This can be distressing as symptoms may be serve and , of course, sleep is disturbed. Nocturnal asthma can occur every night, a few times a week, or only once a week, usually between midnight and 8 A.M.
It has been discovered that changes in lung function follow a specific pattern or rhythm based on a 24-hour cycle. This variation in lung function over 4 a 24-hour period is referred to as the circadian cycle or diurnal variation. Research has found that the airways in patients with asthma are more sensitive in the early morning hours (4 am) than in late afternoon hours (4pm). However, this circadian cycle relates to the time of day that a person sleeps. For example, a person who works nights and sleeps days may experience nocturnal asthma in the afternoon when sleeping.
The most important thing to remember about nocturnal asthma is that it can be controlled. By following your doctor's treatment plan and taking certain measures to manage your condition, you can lead a normal , healthy life.
Causes of nocturnal asthma?
Nocturnal asthma can be caused by a combination of the following factors:
~Allergic factors: Exposure to certain allergens during the day can cause an asthma episode several hours later, during sleep. Studies have shown that the chances of an attack are even greater if the exposure occurs in the evening hours.
~Inflammation: For some patients with asthma, swelling of the airways increases at night. This swelling is related to circadian changes in body chemicals.
~Airways cooling: Exposure to cold has been shown to trigger an asthma attack. Body temperature can drop during sleep, resulting in the possibility of an attack during the night.
~Airway secretions: Chronic sinusitis (swollen/infected sinuses) and/or postnasal drip can cause symptoms of nocturnal asthma.
~Sleep apnea: This is a condition in which breathing stops for short periods during sleep. Sleep apnea occurs in the upper airways, which may bring about an asthmatic response in the lower airways.
~Circulatory factors: Studies are being done involving certain hormones and other chemicals that circulate in the body. These substances have been found to follow a circadian cycle that corresponds to changes in lung function at night.
~Gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn): Lying down may cause a reflux of gastric acid which irritates the esophagus.
Controlling nocturnal asthma
The goal of treatment for nocturnal asthma is to prevent the symptoms that may interfere with your sleep cycle. You and your doctor can work together to design a plan to manage your condition and allow you to lead a normal, healthy life.
Your doctor will base his or her decisions regarding medications for nocturnal asthma on the frequency and severity of your symptoms. Certain medications last longer than others or give peak levels at desired times, allowing better control of the disease. Others are more effective when given just before going to bed. This is why it is so important to follow your doctor's orders regarding the medications you must take.
If you have sinusitis, you should take measures to improve your condition. If the sinuses are clear, nocturnal asthma symptoms will often improve.
If a fall in body temperature is the problem, try breathing warm , humidified air while sleeping.
If you have sleep apnea, follow your doctor's advice to control this condition. Changes in sleeping position, medication, or a mechanical device that keeps the throat open are some measures that may be recommended.
Finally, if you know that exposure to certain allergens triggers your attacks, you may want to include ways to avoid those allergens in your management plan. This is especially important during evening hours when the possibility of causing an attack during sleep is increased.
Beginning Facts about Asthma
Facts about Asthma page 2
Facts about Asthma page 3
Facts about Asthma page 4
Patricia V's Main page