Nocturnal asthma

Asthma Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Asthma from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
Chest X Ray
CT
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies Pulmonary Function Test Bronchial Challenge Test Exhaled nitric oxide
Treatment
Emergency Management
Medical Therapy
Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Bronchial Thermoplasty
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Nocturnal asthma On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Nocturnal asthma All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Nocturnal asthma
CDC on Nocturnal asthma
Nocturnal asthma in the news
Blogs on Nocturnal asthma
Directions to Hospitals Treating Asthma
Risk calculators and risk factors for Nocturnal asthma

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Nocturnal worsening of asthma is very common finding in asthmatics. The pathophysiology of nocturnal asthma is closely associated with the chronobiology and the science of biologic processes that have time-related rhythms. Hence, understanding the circadian rhythm is important to interpret the changes in pulmonary function that occurs in sleeping asthmatics. A large population based study reported dyspneic episodes without therapy in asthmatics occurred between 10 P.M. and 7 A.M. Another population based survey that assessed 7729 patients, reported approximate 74% patients woke-up at least once a week with symptoms, 64% woke-up three times per week and 39% patients woke-up every night with symptoms.