What causes a dry cough without phlegm at night?
Jun 05, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingli
Introduction
Dry cough at night without phlegm may be caused by factors such as decreased temperature, food irritation, cough-variant asthma, pneumonia, or acute bronchitis. Patients are advised to promptly visit a hospital and follow medical instructions for treatment. During nighttime, lower temperatures may lead to exposure to cold air if proper warmth is not maintained, potentially triggering the aforementioned symptoms. Patients should pay attention to indoor hygiene, and avoid smoking or drinking alcohol during illness to prevent worsening of discomfort.
Causes of nighttime dry cough without phlegm may include lowered temperatures, food irritation, cough-variant asthma, pneumonia, acute bronchitis, and other factors. Patients are advised to seek timely medical care at a hospital and follow medical guidance for treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Lowered Temperature
Nighttime temperatures are lower, and failure to keep warm may lead to stimulation by cold air, resulting in the aforementioned symptoms. It is recommended to promptly add clothing and reduce exposure to cold air to aid recovery.
2. Food Irritation
Consuming overly salty, spicy, or irritating foods before bedtime can irritate the throat, leading to nighttime dry cough without phlegm. It is advisable to drink adequate water, which helps moisten the throat and relieve discomfort.
3. Cough-Variant Asthma
This is an allergic disorder associated with environmental, dietary, and climatic factors, causing patients to experience dry cough without phlegm at night, often accompanied by chest tightness and shortness of breath. After diagnosis, patients may consult a doctor about using medications such as prednisone acetate tablets, methylprednisolone tablets, or formoterol fumarate tablets. Following prescribed treatment regimens can help control disease progression.
4. Pneumonia
Nighttime dry cough without phlegm may be related to pneumonia. Bacterial or mycoplasma infection in the lungs can cause varying degrees of dry cough. Once symptoms occur, patients should take medications such as levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, azithromycin capsules, or amoxicillin capsules as directed by a physician. Additionally, attention should be paid to dietary adjustments, avoiding spicy foods.
5. Acute Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is caused by infections or physical and chemical irritants. Inflammation may trigger nighttime dry cough; some patients may produce no sputum. It is recommended to use medications such as dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablets, compound platycodon cough-relief tablets, or ambroxol hydrochloride oral solution under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.
During illness, patients should maintain clean indoor hygiene and avoid smoking or drinking alcohol to prevent worsening of symptoms.
