Springtime Could Spell Trouble For Asthmatics & Sleep Apnea Sufferers

Link between sleep apnoea and asthma means sufferers should take extra care when pollen counts rise. A sleep apnoea oximeter can help sufferers identify if they are at risk of sleep apnoea and thus increased risk of an asthma attack.

Leeds (I-Newswire) March 18, 2013 - According to research published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, sleep apnoea can bring on an asthma attack. The research shows that “obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is an independent risk factor for asthma exacerbations.”

Inhalers and nebulizers are delivery methods for inhaled asthma medications. If your doctor has advised the use of an inhaler or nebulizer to control asthma symptoms at night, then asthmatics are advised to keep them by the bedside, should the need for use arise.

While asthmatics who are allergic to dust mites often experience the most nighttime symptoms and sleep disruptions, asthmatics whose symptoms are triggered by pollen allergens may see an upsurge in the frequency and severity of their symptoms in the Spring too. Symptoms can include sneezing, coughing, stiffness and difficulty breathing.

According to webMD.com;

“For many asthma patients who list pollen as a primary trigger, thunderstorms can be a real problem. A recent study in the journal Allergy described how wind in thunderstorms carries pollen grains at ground level that get into the lower part of the airway, sending high numbers of asthma patients to hospitals for the treatment of asthma attacks.”

To reduce the risk of an attack, those sensitive to pollen are advised to close the bedroom window while they are sleeping to reduce the amount of airborne allergens that can enter the room.

Alcohol can also affect breathing during sleep. According to Dr. Lawrence Epstein from the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School;

“Alcohol tends to worsen the symptoms of sleep apnea, which will further disrupt sleep in people with this breathing disorder.”

A sleep apnoea oximeter is a device that measures several vital signs. Available as a small fingertip oximeter, it is used to monitor heart rate and to detect respiratory problems. It can help sufferers identify if they are at increased risk.

This article has been provided by Healthcare4All, a Leeds-based family-owned medical company. To find out more about the use of nebulizers, sleep apnoea oximeters and fingertip oximeters, please visit the website at: www.healthcare4all.co.uk

Anyone suffering from breathing or sleep problems should consult their doctor in the first instance for a full diagnosis.