Is it only me suffering from cough at night?
There are many like you. Night cough itself is a nightmare.
People experiencing this frequently go through mood swings due to a lack of sleep.
Besides disturbing the person afflicted, nocturnal cough disrupts the family as well. So, here is all you need to learn.
Cough is a process that clears your lungs and airways. For instance, it removes allergens and irritants. But, coughing at night is a rather terrible condition to go through.
The reason behind this irritation is usually allergies, acid reflux, and body posture. However, it can have an underlying disease as well.
You will learn some fantastic hacks to fight back this condition.
Have a look at exposure to traffic exhaust and night cough during early childhood.
In this Article
Types of Cough at Night
We can classify cough into two types:
- Short-term
This type of cough usually ends within one or two weeks.
- Long-term
In this case, it may occur for a more extended period. This type may be a hint to some chronic diseases (rare).
A study by The Royal College of General Practitioners states night cough and general practice research.
Causes of Cough at Night
Reasons can be indefinite as there are many reasons.
- Acid-reflux
In-detail research you should not miss, Cough reflex in the night.
- Allergies
- Common cold
- Iron Deficiency
- Post-nasal drip
- Medicines Inducing Cough
Other Serious Causes
- Asthma
Two of these clinical studies may serve you well:
Night cough counts and diary card scores in asthma
- Bronchitis
- COPD
- Flu or Influenza
- Heart Disease
- Lung Cancer
- Pertussis
- Pneumonia
Pneumonia Patients – Recommended Lifestyle Changes might be useful for you
Ways to Stop Coughing at Night
- Intake of Honey
Honey is well known for its several health benefits.
Mixing honey in hot water relieves the throat. In other words, it provides relaxation and soothes the respiratory tract. For example, including honey in herbal tea may quickly reduce irritation. Effect of Honey, Dextromethorphan, and No Treatment on Nocturnal Cough and Sleep Quality for Coughing Children and Their Parents.
- Inclined Posture
Experts recommend elevating the pillow while sleeping. In short it will prevent the mucus to pool up in the throat (Postnasal drip).
- Humidifier
People living in cold areas or the ones using air conditioners must use a humidifier. It provides moisture in the room. Thus it prevents, dry air from irritating the respiratory system.
- Remove Allergens
Our environment contains certain irritants that cause allergies. So, look for room filters in the market to try filtering and cleaning these allergens daily.
- Avoid GERD
Acid reflux or GERD is one of the causes of chronic cough. When the acid from the stomach travels up the esophagus (food pipe), it makes you cough. Heartburn is the most irritating type of night cough, while also being fairly common.
Don’t sleep right after having dinner. In other words, let the food you ate digest before lying down. Taking antacid medications can also help.
- Over-the-counter Medications
Numerous OTC medicines are available in pharmacies. For instance, try using cough expectorants and suppressants to get relief.
- Use Saline Sprays/Gargles
Gargles and saline sprays containing salt and water are effective in getting rid of night cough.
- Stay Hydrated
Drink lots of water. Increasing fluid intake removes toxins and unwanted substances from your body.
- Treat Asthma
Follow proper asthma treatments as recommended by your doctor.
- Stop Smoking
Smoke injures your lungs and throat. Quitting this bad habit is necessary to stop coughing at night.
Overview
Nocturnal cough is usually of the dry type. Consult a doctor or pharmacist if you undergo this condition often. Unfortunately, even children can experience this sort of coughing. Therefore, parents must take all the measures to help their children.
Performing these remedies regularly definitely works out.
• Common adverse effects of allergies among adults U.S. 2021.
Reference
- Coughing at Night? 7 Potential Causes of Night Coughing | Health.com
- Coughing at night: Stop it with OTC medications and home remedies (singlecare.com)
- Common Reasons & How to Stop Dry, Uncontrollable Coughing at Night in Salt Lake City, UT: ENT Specialists: ENTs (entslc.com)
- What causes that terrible nighttime cough? | Ohio State Medical Center (osu.edu)
- Coughing at night: Home remedies and causes (medicalnewstoday.com)
- Why Your Cough Gets Worse at Night | Everyday Health
- Why your cough gets worse at night | Patient
- Night Cough – Symptoms, Causes, Treatments (healthgrades.com)
- Coughing At Night: 10 Ways to Help Relieve Your Cough (healthline.com)
- 8 Tips for Nighttime Cough Relief (webmd.com)
