Experiencing trouble sleeping due to breathlessness can be a sign of asthma, as you may find yourself waking up several times throughout the night due to difficulty breathing or coughing. Understanding the differences between an asthma emergency and a non-emergency situation is useful for proper management. Here are instances when you should see an asthma specialist:
Difficulty in Speaking And Breathing
Talking difficulty is caused by less airflow in the lungs and tightness in the chest. Reduced airflow causes shortness of breath, making it difficult to sustain complete sentences. Some individuals may run out of breath mid-sentence, while others might find it almost impossible to talk at all. Qualified asthma specialists may prescribe medications that help to reduce inflammation in the airways. The decrease in inflammation prevents airways from narrowing, alleviating shortness of breath and making it easier to speak.
During an asthma attack, you will likely have a faster breathing rate as your body tries to get more oxygen. Asthma restricts the amount of air circulating in the lungs. In response, your body automatically increases its breathing rate to take more oxygen and remove carbon monoxide. Fast breathing can be characterized by quick, shallow, or deep, grasping breaths. You may notice you are breathing fast while trying to do simple, everyday tasks like washing dishes or climbing stairs.
Chronic Coughing
If your airways become inflamed or narrowed due to asthma, the membranes within them produce more mucus. Excess mucus irritates the airways, causing a cough as your body tries to clear the mucus and restore normal airflow. The cough can happen at times but worsens during the night or while doing certain activities. You might begin to cough after laughing too hard or jogging outside. Coughing can vary from being dry to producing mucus. Experienced asthma specialists prescribe medication to reduce excess coughing.
New Asthma Symptoms
If you experience new symptoms and you are unsure of how to treat them, you can visit an asthma doctor for guidance. Asthma symptoms include wheezing when breathing, chest discomfort, and feeling tired after doing simple exercises or daily activities. New symptoms might signal that your asthma needs reassessment. A qualified asthma doctor will analyze the change and develop a new treatment plan to alleviate the symptoms.
Nighttime Asthma
If your asthma is acting up at night, your doctor will help you identify the triggers and adjust your treatment plan. You could go to bed feeling well but wake up a few hours later experiencing symptoms. As you try to breathe, you may feel like you are not getting enough air, requiring you to sit or stand up to catch your breath. Asthma symptoms sometimes worsen due to your sleeping position. Lying flat on the back increases pressure on the diaphragm and lungs, making breathing difficult while sleeping. Your doctor likely will suggest sleeping with your head elevated to keep the airway open and lower pressure on the lungs.
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Learn More About an Asthma Specialist
Asthma is a health condition that affects individuals of all ages but usually develops during childhood. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent coughing, faster breathing rate, and wheezing. Recognizing these symptoms earlier can help manage them and prevent further complications. Contact a qualified asthma specialist doctor to learn more about asthma.
