What causes coughing at night but not during the day?
Nov 11, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
In general, coughing at night but not during the day may be caused by dry air, temperature changes, allergic cough, reflux esophagitis, or postnasal drip. Patients are advised to promptly visit a hospital and follow medical advice for treatment. During nighttime sleep, indoor air may become dry, which can irritate the respiratory mucosa and trigger coughing.
Generally, coughing at night without coughing during the day may be caused by dry air, temperature changes, allergic cough, reflux esophagitis, or postnasal drip. Patients are advised to promptly visit a hospital and receive treatment as directed by a physician. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Dry air: Indoor air may become dry while sleeping at night, which can irritate the respiratory mucosa and lead to coughing. It is recommended to use a humidifier to increase indoor humidity, or place a basin of water near the bedside to help relieve cough symptoms.
2. Temperature changes: When getting out of a warm bed at night to use the bathroom or move around, sudden temperature changes may stimulate the respiratory tract and trigger coughing. It is advisable to maintain a stable indoor temperature and avoid abrupt shifts between hot and cold to minimize respiratory irritation.
3. Allergic cough: Individuals with allergic constitutions may experience nighttime coughing triggered by indoor allergens such as pollen or dust mites, while not coughing during the day when away from these environments. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as diphenhydramine hydrochloride tablets, cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, or budesonide inhalation aerosol for treatment.
4. Reflux esophagitis: When lying flat at night, stomach contents may reflux into the esophagus and throat, irritating the airway and causing coughing, possibly accompanied by symptoms like acid regurgitation and heartburn. Patients are advised to take medications such as cisapride tablets, esomeprazole magnesium enteric-coated tablets, or rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.
5. Postnasal drip: Nasal mucosal congestion can increase secretions, which may flow backward into the throat when lying down at night, triggering coughing, often accompanied by nasal symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose. Patients should use medications such as rhinitis tablets, Biyuan Tongqiao granules, or Qianbai rhinitis tablets as recommended by a doctor to reduce nasal inflammation.
In daily life, it's important to develop healthy habits, avoid inhaling excessive cold air, and engage in moderate exercise such as jogging or hiking, which can benefit overall health.
