Pediatrician Questions Childhood Asthma

Why is my child's asthma worse at night?

My daughter was diagnosed with asthma, and I noticed that the condition worsens at night. She'll wake up coughing and wheezing throughout the night, and would need to use her inhaler because of it. Why does her asthma worsen at night? Is this normal?

3 Answers

Because it is not adequately controlled.
It is called nocturnal asthma or nighttime asthma. Symptoms tend to be worse at night. One reason is lung function is not at best during early hours due to circadian rhythm. Also, could be pooling of secretions due to sinus infection or post nasal drip which could collect in the airway when lying supine.

Sreenivas Gunturu
It is common for asthma to be worse at night and with exercise. But reflux and worsen nighttime symptoms and allergies to dust. These is a lot of dust hidden in the mattress. You may need a mattress cover that zips around the mattress that is hypoallergic. But if the cough continues you need to increase asthma therapy instead of just doing more rescue therapy at night, This means the asthma is not under good control