What Causes Asthma to Worsen at Night?
Several physiological and environmental factors can trigger asthma symptoms at night: 1. Natural Changes in Airway Function Airways naturally become narrower during sleep, especially in the early morning hours. This makes breathing more difficult and can worsen asthma symptoms . 2. Lying Down Position When a child lies flat, mucus drainage can slow down, and pressure on the lungs may increase, making it harder to breathe and potentially triggering asthma symptoms. 3. Allergens in the Bedroom Dust mites in pillows, pet dander on bedding, or mold in the room can worsen asthma at night. These allergens are common culprits for triggering nighttime flare-ups. 4. Changes in Hormones and Body Chemistry Hormone levels like cortisol—which help reduce inflammation—drop during the night. This can increase inflammation in the airways and make asthma symptoms worse. Hormone levels like cortisol—which help reduce inflammation—drop during the night. This can increase inflammatio...