Nighttime asthma, or nocturnal asthma, is characterised by worsening asthma symptoms at night. The airways become inflamed and constricted, making breathing difficult. Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects the airways, the tubes that carry air to and from the lungs.
Dr Srujan Topale, Consultant-Pediatrician, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, shares, "This inflammation narrows the airways, making breathing difficult." Sometimes asthma becomes worse at night and if you have children with asthma, the situation requires careful handling. Dr Topale explains, "Nighttime asthma, also known as nocturnal asthma, is characterised by worsening asthma symptoms during the night.
The airways become inflamed and constricted, making breathing difficult. If a child frequently wakes up at night coughing, wheezing, or struggling to breathe, it's a strong sign their asthma needs better control. Even if a child hasn't received an official asthma diagnosis, persistent coughing or wheezing at night or early in the morning could be early indicators of the condition.
" Nighttime Asthma Symptoms Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness can occur, often at night or after exercise, says Dr Topale. "Triggers such as allergens, respiratory infections, cold air, and smoke can worsen these symptoms and even lead to an asthma attack, a potentially life-threatening situation where breathing becomes severely restricted," the doctor adds. Cold air, dust mites, allergens like pet dander.
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