Why is coughing severe at night and in the morning, and what should be done about it?

Severe coughing in the morning and evening may be caused by temperature changes, dry airways, allergic cough, chronic bronchitis, or postnasal drip syndrome. Symptoms can be improved through保暖 protection, moisturizing the airways, and medication. If symptoms persist or worsen, or are accompanied by wheezing or fever, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Temperature changes: Lower temperatures and large temperature fluctuations in the morning and evening cause cold air to irritate the respiratory mucosa, leading to mucosal contraction and increased secretions, triggering coughing. It is recommended to wear a mask when going out during these times and dress appropriately to avoid direct exposure of the respiratory tract to cold stimulation.

2. Dry airways: Low humidity in the morning and evening leads to moisture loss from the throat and airway mucosa, causing thick sputum that irritates the mucosa and worsens coughing. It is advised to drink a glass of warm water before bedtime and upon waking, and use a humidifier indoors to maintain humidity at 50%-60%.

3. Allergic cough: Exposure to allergens such as dust mites and pollen in the morning and evening can trigger airway allergic reactions, resulting in paroxysmal dry cough or small amounts of white phlegm, with more pronounced symptoms during these times. Patients may take medications such as loratadine syrup, montelukast sodium chewable tablets, or ambroxol clenbuterol oral solution under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.

4. Chronic bronchitis: Chronic airway inflammation increases mucus secretion. Increased vagal nerve activity in the morning and evening exacerbates airway constriction, leading to worse coughing and sputum production, often accompanied by chest tightness and wheezing. Under medical supervision, patients may use medications like acetylcysteine granules, cefaclor for oral suspension, or salbutamol aerosol to alleviate discomfort.

5. Postnasal drip syndrome: When lying down or changing body position in the morning and evening, nasal secretions flow backward into the throat, irritating the mucosa and causing productive cough, foreign-body sensation in the throat, and frequent throat clearing. Patients may follow medical advice to use saline nasal spray, cetirizine hydrochloride drops, or eucalyptus citronella pine enteric soft capsules to improve symptoms.

Maintain indoor cleanliness and ventilation, regularly sun-expose bedding to reduce allergens, eat a light diet avoiding spicy and greasy foods, consume more lung-moisturizing fruits and vegetables such as pears and loquats, drink adequate water to thin mucus, and maintain regular sleep patterns to strengthen immunity.