Asthma, that dreaded disease is said to be on the rise, perhaps due to increased air pollution.While an attack of asthma can occur at any time, sufferers feel that symptoms are much worse at night.

Based on these reports, doctors at the University of Texas have set up a “night owl” research team which specializes in investigating nocturnal asthma.Their findings confirm what the patients have been saying all long – the body’s airways become narrower at night, making breathing difficult. Levels of hormones and body chemicals change considerably during the night and more asthma related deaths occur than during the day.

The researchers are now taking a new look at treatments for this ailment, and evolving modified drugs for night time  use.

If your asthma symptoms are different at night or if your day time medication doesn’t work for you in late hours, do mention it to your doctor.