Why Does Asthma Get Worse At Night During Winter? Experts Explain

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Asthma symptoms can become more severe during winter, particularly at night, when patients may experience persistent coughing, wheezing and breathlessness.

Cold temperatures, indoor allergens and changes in the body’s biological rhythm can contribute to nighttime flare-ups and disrupt sleep.

Dr Manisha Mendiratta, Director and Head of Pulmonology at Sarvodaya Hospital, Sector 8, Faridabad, explains that exposure to cold air can irritate the airways, causing them to narrow and triggering bronchospasm that makes breathing difficult.

People tend to spend more time indoors during winter, increasing exposure to allergens such as dust mites, mould, pet dander and household dust. These can aggravate airway inflammation and worsen asthma symptoms.

The body’s natural biological rhythm can further intensify nighttime discomfort.

Lung function generally declines during the early morning hours, while airway inflammation and sensitivity may increase at night. Lying down can encourage mucus accumulation and postnasal drip, leading to coughing, chest tightness and wheezing.

People with asthma should cover their nose and mouth with a scarf when stepping outdoors and avoid sudden exposure to cold air.

Keeping indoor spaces clean, dry and well-ventilated can help limit allergens.

Regularly washing bedding and avoiding cigarette smoke, incense and strong fragrances are equally important precautions.

Patients should monitor air quality, continue prescribed controller medications, use inhalers correctly and keep their prescribed reliever inhalers accessible.

Frequent nighttime coughing, wheezing and breathlessness warrant medical attention as they may indicate poorly controlled asthma.

Severe breathing difficulties, inability to speak comfortably, bluish lips or inadequate relief from rescue medication require immediate medical care.

Regular consultations, consistent medication and avoiding individual triggers can help manage asthma and reduce winter flare-ups.

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Pragati Upadhyay

I report stories and occasionally rescue facts from chaos. By profession, I’m a journalist; by conviction, a social worker who believes words should move people, not just headlines. I question power, celebrate ordinary heroes, and sometimes irritate the comfortable. If truth had a shift, I’d probably be working overtime.