How to treat cough caused by pharyngitis when lying down

In general, the treatment methods for cough caused by pharyngitis when lying down mainly include routine management, positional adjustment, medication, physical therapy, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Routine Management

Maintain indoor air humidity by using a humidifier to keep relative humidity between 40% and 60%, avoiding dry air that may irritate the pharyngeal mucosa and worsen coughing. Drink plenty of warm or cool water daily to soothe the throat. Maintain a light diet and avoid spicy, overly sweet, or salty foods to reduce irritation to the throat. Ensure adequate rest, avoid staying up late and overusing the voice, so as to create favorable conditions for the repair of the pharyngeal mucosa.

2. Positional Adjustment

When lying down, secretions in the throat tend to accumulate and stimulate the mucosa, triggering coughing. Elevate the upper body by 30°–45° during sleep using pillows to support the head and shoulders, leveraging gravity to reduce secretion-induced irritation. Avoid overeating before bedtime to prevent gastric reflux, which can irritate the throat and exacerbate nighttime coughing.

3. Medication

For pharyngitis caused by bacterial infection, antibiotics such as cefuroxime axetil tablets, amoxicillin capsules, or roxithromycin dispersible tablets may be taken under medical guidance. For significant coughing, dextromethorphan hydrobromide oral solution or guaifenesin-pseudoephedrine oral solution can be used to relieve symptoms. If accompanied by throat itching, loratadine tablets may be added to reduce mucosal sensitivity and alleviate irritative coughing.

4. Physical Therapy

Use normal saline nebulization to deliver medication directly to the pharyngeal mucosa, moisturizing the tissue, clearing secretions, and reducing inflammatory responses. Infrared irradiation of the pharynx can also improve local blood circulation, accelerate mucosal healing, and relieve throat discomfort and coughing. These treatments should be performed under the guidance of trained professionals to ensure proper technique.

5. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Therapy

According to TCM, pharyngitis is often associated with lung dryness due to fluid deficiency or invasion of wind-heat into the lungs. Chinese patent medicines such as Qinghou Lixian Granules, Lanqin Oral Liquid, or Chuanbei Loquat Syrup may be taken to clear heat, detoxify, moisten the lungs, and suppress cough. Acupuncture at acupoints such as Hegu (LI4) and Quchi (LI11) may help regulate qi and blood flow, alleviate pharyngeal inflammation, and reduce coughing. Specific treatments should follow the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner.

During treatment, strictly adhere to medical instructions regarding medication; do not adjust dosages on your own. Maintain good oral hygiene by rinsing the mouth with warm salt water after meals to reduce bacterial growth. If coughing persists for more than one week or is accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms, seek timely medical attention to adjust the treatment plan and prevent chronic progression.