What causes shortness of breath and coughing at night?

Generally, shortness of breath and coughing at night may be caused by severe indoor environmental pollution, bronchial asthma, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, etc., and targeted treatment is required. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Severe Indoor Environmental Pollution

If the patient's living environment is heavily polluted—for example, containing large amounts of dust, smoke, or other large particulate molecules—these particles may be inhaled into the lungs during breathing, leading to nighttime shortness of breath and coughing. In such cases, it is recommended to relocate and improve the living environment to alleviate symptoms.

2. Bronchial Asthma

Patients with allergic constitutions may develop bronchial asthma due to allergens, resulting in these symptoms. Under medical guidance, antiallergic medications such as loratadine tablets or chlorpheniramine maleate tablets can be taken for treatment.

3. Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease

Long-term unhealthy dietary habits may lead to coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. When patients lie flat at night, increased venous return to the heart may occur, triggering these symptoms. Under medical supervision, medications such as enteric-coated aspirin capsules or isosorbide mononitrate sustained-release tablets can be used to improve the condition.

In addition to the above, nighttime shortness of breath and coughing may also be caused by tuberculosis or extraluminal tracheal tumors. Patients are advised to visit a hospital to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment.