When I sleep on my back I wake up with the worst asthma - Asthma Message Board

Kerry35 · 04-30-2009, 08:54 AM

When I sleep on my back I wake up with the worst asthma. I wake up with asthma regardless but it is very bad when I try to sleep the way that is best for my back. Very frustrating.

JewelryJulie · 05-04-2009, 10:36 AM

I have found the same problem. I feel almost like I do when you are like drowning. I have to lay on my side. Weird.

MountainReader · 05-04-2009, 07:52 PM

Do you have reflux?

I have "silent" reflux. The reflux is one of my worst asthma triggers. Laying flat at night allows the reflux to become worse. Sleeping on your left side may help a bit. Also, propping your headboard about 6 inches (2 bricks or a bed riser) you have gravity helping you out a bit with the reflux. By "silent" reflux, I mean that my asthma flare is my only symptom. I don't have any of the "typical" reflux symptoms of heartburn or other pain. I just have uncontrolled asthma. PPI's twice a day did help for years. They eventually stopped working, but did help for a long time.

Also, the allergens from dust mites could be an asthma trigger. Try covering your mattress and pillows and washing your linens in hot water frequently. If you have pollen allergies, taking a shower before bed to get rid of the pollens on your body and in your hair may help.

Have you talked to your doctor? Do you use any preventative asthma meds like Singulair or Advair? If not and your asthma is out of control, it might be something you should talk to your doctor about.