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Asthma/Asthma at night

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Expert: Kevin Smith - 9/27/2009


Question
Can you have an asthma attack while you are sleeping?

Answer
Hi there Brittany,

Yes, you can indeed have an asthma attack whilst sleeping. I have often woken up in the midst of an attack, and I have been told I wheeze and cough quite often whilst asleep. In fact, it is possible for your asthma to be worse at night due to your position ( lying prone, often ).

Let me know if you need anything else!

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Kevin Smith

Expertise

I can answer questions on general living with severe asthma including home modifications, diet, general medications, symptoms, psychology, indications, and social interactions. While there are expert present who are involved with the care of asthmatics from a professional point-of-view ( respiratory techs, for instance ) I would prefer to answer questions from asthmatics, their families and friends who wish to hear from someone with the disease in a severe form in order to gain 'general' advice.

Experience

Severe asthmatic for 30 years. I have been ventilated six times for asthma, and have been active in areas of research and counseling of asthmatic, COPD, and CF patients. I am also both a registered pharmacy tech who specialized in respiratory medications, and a professional counselor with a BA-psych degree who has seen many respiratory clients professionally.

Education/Credentials
I do not have any educational credentials related directly to asthma. However, I have my degree in psychology which I have used in conjunction with my disease to counsel other sufferers.

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