When the world quiets down, it is time for rest, sleep, and rejuvenation. But sadly, that is not the case for those with asthma. If you also suffer from this condition and wake up gasping for air in the middle of the night, fear not, as asthma cannot kill you in your sleep.
Can Asthma Kill You During Sleep?
Asthma may be disruptive, often waking people up from their slumber, and rarely, can it kill you during sleep. If someone is heavily sedated with asthma for any reason, their airways are compromised, which could potentially lead to a life-threatening situation.
7 Tips to Prevent Nocturnal Asthma Attacks
If you, or anyone from your friend or family circle, has asthma and is prone to nighttime symptoms, there are steps you can take to improve the quality of your and minimize the likelihood of attacks. Here are seven hacks that might come in handy.
- Regularly Clean Your Bedroom
You may not know this, but dust mites are a common asthma trigger that thrives in bedding and carpets. Use a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter installed to capture them and their waste. - Always Wash Bedding in Hot Water
Wash your bedsheets in hot water every week to get rid of those mites. Make sure that the water temperature is at least 130 degrees F to effectively kill these pests. After that, for complete control, dry it out completely. - Use Dust-Proof Mattress and Pillow Protectors
Your best bet is zipped covers. They effectively keep dust mites out of your bedding. - Get a Humidifier for Your Room
Cold air tends to be dry, which can aggravate your asthma symptoms. Consider getting a humidifier in your bedroom, especially during the winter season. Adequate levels of humidity deter dust mites as well, so shots in one. - Keep Pets Out of Your Bedroom
Pet dander is a well-known trigger for asthma. If you have one or more at home, keep them out of your bedroom to prevent their fur/dander from accumulating on carpets and bedding. - Sleep with Your Head Elevated
Do not rest while lying flat if you have a cold, sinus infection, or acid reflux, since it can worsen postnasal drip or acid reflux symptoms, triggering an asthmatic attack. Sleeping with your head propped up high can alleviate these issues. You can use more pillows or an adjustable bed for it. - Sleep Apnea
People with asthma may face an increased risk of sleep apnea, a condition that shows up with repeated halts in breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea can worsen asthma symptoms.
Closing Note
By understanding what the root causes are and seeking the right medical attention, you can find relief from the symptoms that decrease your quality of life. Our team at Aqeeq Internal Medicine is only a call away to aid you with medical assistance. Talk to us by dialing (832) 786-8195. Or, you can also drop by our office at 16125 Cairnway Dr. Ste 114 Houston, TX 77084, right next to Chiropractic Clinic.