Why does a child cough at night but not during the day?
Disease description:
My child might have a slight cold these past couple of days. However, the coughing has been occurring mostly at night, and is not severe during the day. I would like to ask what might be causing this situation?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
There are several possible reasons why a child may cough at night but not during the day:
1. Environmental irritation: Nighttime temperatures are generally lower, and windows and doors are often closed while sleeping, leading to poor air circulation and dry air, which can irritate the child's respiratory tract and cause coughing.
2. Vigorous exercise: If a child engages in vigorous activity before bedtime, it can lead to dehydration and rapid breathing, making nighttime coughing more likely.
3. Nervous system activity: The cholinergic system of the bronchial glands becomes more active at night, increasing glandular secretion, which can trigger nighttime coughing. During the day, increased sympathetic nervous system activity reduces glandular secretion, and the coughing tends to subside.
4. Inhalation of foreign substances: If bedding is not cleaned or replaced regularly, the child may inhale allergens such as dust mites, dust particles, or animal dander while resting at night, leading to nighttime coughing.
5. Emotional changes: Nighttime nightmares in children may also trigger coughing episodes.
