Tips For Cutting Down On Nighttime Asthma Symptoms

If you have recently been diagnosed with asthma, then you may notice that some of your symptoms seem to appear or worsen at night. This is referred to as nocturnal asthma and it can make your asthma worse during the day. If you have symptoms at night, then there are some things you can do to reduce your symptoms.

Use Allergy Products

There are certain factors that contribute to and cause your nighttime asthma attacks. There are many triggers, and these triggers include allergens like dust mites and dust mite feces. In fact, a high percentage of individuals with asthma are triggered by dust mite feces. Unfortunately, dust mites live in mattresses, pillows, and bedding. 

If you want to know if you are allergic to dust mites, then an allergist like those at North Texas Allergy can complete a test to determine this. If you are allergic or if you are generally triggered by dust in your home, then use allergy products that enclose your mattress, pillow, and other bedding in protective covers. There are many types of covers on the market. Just make sure that you purchase items that have zippered closures. This helps to ensure that your bed and bedding materials are completely closed off. This not only helps to kill the dust mites, but it also keep the fecal matter well contained. 

Of course, it is wise to vacuum your bedroom weekly and to place a small air purifier near your bed.

Use Your Inhaler At Night

Your body may be naturally causing your asthma to worsen in the evening. Specifically, your circadian rhythms may be responsible for your breathing difficulties. In the evening, melatonin is released. At the same time, many of your other hormone levels drop. This includes the hormones that control your metabolism and the overall functions of your body. 

When hormone levels drop, your airways start to narrow. This is also a general response to a reduction in your need for oxygen, since you are sleeping. When the airways narrow, an asthma attack can be triggered, especially if your airways were already inflamed.

You cannot control your hormones and how your body reacts to your natural circadian rhythms. However, you can make sure that your airways stay as open as possible by using your inhaler at night. This helps to release a vasodilator into the bloodstream that works all night.

You can use your rescue inhaler in the evening or you can use your maintenance inhaler at this time. Make sure to speak with your physician about this. 


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