Nightime symptoms

Hi

Just wondering if anyone had any suggestions on relieving nightime coughing and chest tightness. I sleep elevated and have even doubled my lansoprazole so I take some at night in case reflux was the problem. It's almost like I need to double my monteukast dose (but know I'm already on max dose). I frequently wake to need nebs around 3/4.00 am.

Any suggestions greatfully received

Sarah

[Hidden]

I can sympathize with you. I am often awake during the night having nebs. Since beginning of February I haven't had a full nights sleep atall. Needing to neb about 3AM but am then hyperactive and very awake due to the salbutamol so can't get back to sleep for ages. Have had a course of pred but now I am off the pred it has started back up again. Feeling very run down due to constant lack of sleep but can't seem to get it sorted. Feb/March is quite a bad time of year for me (I never know why) so perhaps that is why I dont sleep at the moment. I hope you manage to get some sleep soon and that things settle down. It can get you down when you're tired all the time.

[Hidden]

Hi there,

In general, night-time symptoms are a sign of poorly controlled asthma and should always be taken seriously - if your GP or consultant is not aware that you are waking at night please let them know.

Sarah - I know you are on a pretty comprehensive regimen of meds in any case, but it might be worth asking for early review with your consultant if you are not due to see them for a while. Hope things get a bit more settled soon.

Karly - I would suggest you discuss your symptoms with your GP or cons if you haven't already done so. You may need an increase in meds or another course of pred.

Elevating the bed or sleeping propped upright can help, both with reflux related problems and with asthma per se. It can be difficult to get into a good position and stay there - those v shaped orthopaedic pillows can help, and if you can sleep on your back, propping yourself upright with an additional pillow under your knees can help to stop you slipping down. I have a special wedge-shaped pillow supplied by my Occupational Therapist which is also quite helpful - you can either buy them through Disability websites or ask for an OT referral.

Changing the timing of medication (with the agreement of your doctor) can sometimes be useful. For example, I take tiotropium (Spiriva), which is normally taken once a day in the morning - I find that I get better control overnight if I take it at night. Some people find that taking their steroids (if on long term oral steroids) in the early hours of the morning seems to help.

Obviously another thing to think of is allergen avoidance in your bedroom. As we all know, our mattresses, pillows and duvet can potentially hold a great quantity of house dust and house dust mites. The evidence for improvement of asthma with allergen avoidance techniques is mixed, but ancedotally, some people find that it makes a great deal of difference.

No easy answers, I'm afraid, but I hope everyone manages to get a better night's sleep soon.

Take care

Em H

[Hidden]

Hi

I noticed that its the same time for us that what I call my waking hrs (between 3 & 4) I to changed my meds times, looked at what I was eating for my last meal of the day and what I was drinking all with no effect. What I do find is helping is keeping my room to the same temp.

So big heating bills for me but if it helps then I think so be it. It has not totally stopped the wakeing but it seams to have lessened the servirity of the night attact.

Chin up to all night waking folk x