What Causes Trouble Breathing At Night?

Posted on Wed, 25 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 Answered on

Wed, 18 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have trouble breathing at night. It's like asthma, although I don't typically have asthma. I have a histamine intolerence and probably lack DAO, could that be part of the problem? I usually get up and take some cough medicine and use my inhaler, but I 'd rather sleep thru the night. suggestions? I usually get bronchitis every year at about this time when it gets cold. We have radiator heat and live in pennsylvania. It's been a record cold february.

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I suggest a long acting bronchodilator

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.

If you are being triggered by histamines then taking an antihistamine maybe helpful. You could try a once a day non-sedating antihistamine like Claritin. In addition, there are long acting bronchodilators. Inhalers like albuterol typically last only 3 to 4 hours. There are longer acting bronchodilator's such as Serevent which can be used twice a day. You can then use additional albuterol as needed for the day. If you need even further bronchodilation, you can use a combination of a long-acting bronchodilator with a long acting inhaled steroid. These are preparations such as Advair. Please check with your doctor about a long acting medicine. This may help you sleep through the night.

Regards, Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj