Night time coughing can be an incredibly frustrating experience that can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling tired and irritable during the day. Also, it could be a clue of a sickness that requires immediate treatment.
In this article, according to Healthline, we will explore some of the common causes of nighttime coughing and discuss ways to stop it.
Causes of Nighttime Coughing
Postnasal drip: This is one of the most common causes of nighttime coughing. Your body generates extra mucus when you have a cold or allergies, which can trickle down the back of your throat and irritate it, leading to coughing.
This can be exacerbated at night when you are lying down, as the mucus can accumulate in your throat.
Asthma: Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can cause nighttime coughing, particularly when your asthma is not well controlled.
This is because asthma enlarges the airways, which can result in coughing and breathing difficulties.
Disease of the gastroesophageal reflux; With this disease, the esophagus becomes irritated and inflamed when stomach acid backs up into it.
Coughing at night may result from this, especially if you lay down right after eating.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): It is a lung illness that results in inflammation and airway constriction, making breathing challenging.
You could perhaps cough at night as a result of this, mainly if you smoke regularly or have a record of lung issues.
Medications: Some medications can cause nighttime coughing as a side effect, particularly medications used to treat high blood pressure or heart failure.
How to Stop Nighttime Coughing
Elevate your head: Elevating your head while you sleep can help reduce postnasal drip and ease nighttime coughing.
For this purpose, use a wedge-shaped cushion, or elevate the base of your bed with books or boxes.
Use a humidifier: Using a humidifier can help moisten the air in your bedroom, which can reduce irritation in your throat and ease coughing.
Take Honey: It is an excellent cough suppressant and helps ease sore throats, so try taking some honey.
You can take a spoonful of honey before bed or mix it into a cup of warm tea.
Warm salt water gargles: Gargling with Warm salt water helps to alleviate coughing and lessen throat inflammation.
Take warm water or tea: Sipping on warm water or tea before bed can help soothe your throat and reduce coughing.
Moreover, you can further relax your throat by incorporating honey or ginger into your tea.
Use the over-the-counter drugs: Prescription medications like expectorants or cough suppressants can dramatically alleviate overnight coughing. But, before using any drugs, it’s vital to inform your medical doctor.