Why does bronchial asthma often occur at night?

Generally, the occurrence of bronchial asthma at night may be related to allergens, cardiopulmonary function, poor air circulation, increased vagal nerve excitability, and decreased adrenal cortical function. Patients should maintain good living habits and follow medical advice to take oral medications for symptomatic treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Allergens

If patients are exposed to allergens such as dust mites, dust, or pollen while sleeping at night, their airways may develop an allergic reaction, triggering an asthma attack. Patients can take medications such as montelukast sodium tablets or loratadine tablets under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.

2. Cardiopulmonary Function

During the day, human lung function is relatively strong, whereas it weakens at night, making bronchial asthma more likely to occur during nighttime hours. Additionally, changes in body temperature can influence asthma attacks. Body temperature may drop by about 1°C during sleep, and a decrease of just 0.7°C can lead to bronchoconstriction, thereby triggering asthma. Sleeping in a warm environment can significantly reduce the incidence of nocturnal asthma. It is recommended to cover up properly with blankets and close doors and windows before sleep to stay warm and minimize these occurrences.

3. Poor Air Circulation

With doors and windows closed at night, indoor air circulation becomes limited. Prolonged exposure to such a sealed environment increases the likelihood of asthma attacks. It is important to ensure adequate ventilation in the bedroom during sleep. Additionally, patients should carry inhalers such as budesonide inhalation aerosol or salmeterol xinafoate aerosol as prescribed, to help prevent asthma attacks.

4. Increased Vagal Nerve Excitability

At night, the excitability of the vagus nerve in the human body increases, which can cause spasms and constriction of the bronchial smooth muscles, leading to asthma attacks. Patients may take medications such as lorazepam tablets or oxazepam tablets as directed by a physician for treatment.

5. Adrenal Cortical Function Decline

At night, adrenal cortical function naturally declines, resulting in reduced secretion of epinephrine in the bloodstream and decreased responsiveness of epinephrine receptors. This may lead to bronchospasm and subsequent asthma attacks. Patients are advised to use medications such as hydrocortisone injection or hydrocortisone acetate tablets as prescribed by their doctor.

It is recommended that patients sleep in a lateral position at night and seek prompt medical attention if discomfort occurs. Receiving standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance will aid in recovery.