. Allergopedia

Dictionary of Allergies .. Nocturnal asthma [Νυκτερινό άσθμα].

Nocturnal asthma [Νυκτερινό άσθμα]. Nocturnal asthma  is  an exacerbation of asthma at night,. It is associated with increases of symptomatology and need for medication, increased airway responsiveness and worsening of lung function. Nighttime worsening of asthma has been recognized since the 5th century A.D. and is believed to be quite common, affecting a majority of asthmatics. The mechanisms of nocturnal asthma are intimately related to circadian rhythms, which influence inflammatory cells and mediators of inflammation, hormone levels and cholinergic tone. Patients with nocturnal asthma symptoms may have greater nighttime activation of inflammatory cells and mediators, lower levels of epinephrine and increased vagal tone.

In addition, underlying differences in the glucocorticoid receptor and b- receptors in these patients may diminish their ability to respond to therapy. While sleep appears to play a role in the pathophysiology of nocturnal asthma, it is not essential to it. Selective timing of the administration of the antiasthmatic drugs  can increase their  efficacy and reducetheir  toxicity. Available medication  includes inhaled and oral corticosteroids, sustained-release theophylline, long-acting b-agonists, leukotriene- modifying agents and anticholinergic medication. 

Reference

Skloot GS. Nocturnal asthma: mechanisms and management. t Sinai J Med. 2002 May;69(3):140-7.

Γκέλης Ν.Δ. - Λεξικό Αλλεργίας - Εκδόσεις ΒΕΛΛΕΡOΦΟΝΤΗΣ - Κόρινθος 2013

Gelis Ν.D. - Dictionary of Allergies - VELLEROFONTIS Publications - Corinth 2013