Nighttime Wheezing Linked to Asthma

May 16, 2012 - PRLog -- When most people think ASTHMA, they think of difficulty breathing after exercise, exertion, or allergic induced asthmatic conditions. Do you wake up in the middle of the night wheezing, coughing and feeling short of breath? If so, you may have a condition called nocturnal asthma, a very serious condition that requires proper diagnosis and effective asthma treatment.

According to webMD.com: "Many doctors often underestimate nocturnal asthma or nighttime asthma. Studies show that most deaths related to asthma symptoms such as wheezing occur at night.  Nocturnal asthma attacks can cause significant problems sleeping, resulting in sleep deprivation and daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and irritability.  These problems may affect your quality of life overall and may make it more difficult to control your daytime asthma symptoms."

Even children may show similar nighttime wheezing symptoms caused by the constriction (tightening of the muscles) and the inflammation (swelling and irritation) of the airways. Constriction and inflammation of the airways and increased mucosa make it difficult and sometimes impossible to breathe.  Asthma is the most common chronic illness among children. If a child's asthma is left untreated, it can result in loss of sleep, exercise limitations, absenteeism, emergency room visits and, in a few cases, death.
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Click the youtube link to see Dr. Bob explain the symptoms and treatments oh Nighttime Wheezing.

http://youtu.be/IOXdAT8XpK0






Why asthma is worse during sleep? No one is precisely certain. Exposure to allergens coupled with a reclining position may be a factor BUt sleep itself can also trigger changes in airwayl function.

If you or someone you know experiences the above conditions, consult an allergist. Your allergist will be able to tell you the causes of your symptoms. If allergies are left untreated they can develop into asthma, so it's important to see an allergist when you first start experiencing problems.


The Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Center http://www.allergyasc.com is staffed by an experienced and caring team of multidisciplinary specialists, board certified in infant, pediatric, adolescent and adult allergy, asthma and immunology. All of our providers are dedicated to providing our patients with expert and friendly care