Uncontrollable coughing at night can disrupt your sleep, leaving you exhausted and frustrated. Whether it’s triggered by allergies, asthma, or an underlying condition, nighttime coughing often feels worse when you're trying to rest. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes, potential remedies, and when to seek medical advice to help you breathe easier and sleep better.
Causes Of Uncontrollable Coughing at Night
There could be many reasons for nighttime persistent coughing. The most possible and common of them are:-
- Acid Reflux: Stomach acid backs up into the esophagus and irritates the throat, triggering a protective cough reflex to clear the airways.
- Allergies: Allergies trigger inflammation and mucus production in airways, causing postnasal drip that irritates the throat leading to coughing.
- Bronchitis: Bronchitis inflames the bronchial tubes, causing excess mucus production and airway irritation, which triggers coughing reflexes that are more pronounced when lying down at night.
- Pneumonia: Pneumonia inflames lung air sacs, causing mucus buildup and irritation that triggers the body's cough reflex, particularly when lying down, which allows mucus to pool and stimulate nerve endings in the airways.
- Bronchiectasis: In bronchiectasis, damaged airways accumulate mucus that triggers persistent nocturnal coughing as the body attempts to clear these thick secretions during relaxed, horizontal positioning at night.
- Certain Medications: Some medications like ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and certain antihypertensive drugs can cause a dry, persistent cough by irritating the respiratory tract's nerve endings and triggering a cough reflex.
- Smoking: Smoking damages lung cilia and irritates airways, causing mucus buildup that triggers nighttime coughing as the respiratory system attempts to clear these obstructions.
How To Get Rid Of Uncontrollable Coughing At Nighttime?
Coughing at night can be incredibly frustrating, disrupting your sleep and delaying recovery. Whether you're dealing with a dry or wet cough, understanding the causes and remedies can make a significant difference. Here are some tips to help you manage nighttime coughing and get better rest.
1. Adjust Sleeping Position:
- Elevate the head of your bed to reduce post-nasal drip and chest irritation.
- Sleep on your side instead of flat on your back.
2. Reduce Allergens:
- Use an air purifier to minimize dust and allergens.
- Shower before bed to remove allergens like pollen and bacteria.
3. Use Over-the-Counter Remedies:
- Cough Drops: Soothe your throat and reduce coughing.
- Decongestants: Relieve nasal congestion (consult a doctor if you have high blood pressure).
- Expectorants: Loosen mucus for productive coughs (e.g., guaifenesin).
4. Increase Humidity:
- Use a cool-mist humidifier to keep the air moist.
- Take a hot shower to steam and clear airways.
5. Stay Hydrated:
- Drink warm liquids like herbal tea or honey water to soothe the throat.
- Stay hydrated throughout the day to thin mucus.
6. Try Saline Solutions:
Use a saline nasal spray or gargle with salt water to reduce irritation.
7. Cough Suppressants:
For dry, nonproductive coughs, use suppressants to reduce the urge to cough.
When To See A Doctor?
You should contact your doctor if you experience:-
- difficulty in breathing
- fever over 101.6 degrees
- chances of vomiting
- swollen ankles
- chest pains
- pink-colored mucus
- blood in phlegm.
Conclusion
Some crucial things you should know before getting treatment for a cough can depend on the relief of the scene at night. These can be dry and wet coughs, as it is essential to know the difference when coughing up mucus or phlegm from the lungs. They can be considered a watery, productive catch that can be dry or non-ineffective without bringing up phlegm or mucus. Options like sucking on cough drops, decongestants, and nasal sprays can provide relief. If you experience Uncontrollable Coughing at Night, it’s important to address the issue by consulting your doctor and considering necessary medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is nothing stopping my cough at night?
A combination of factors like postnasal drip, dry air, allergies, acid reflux, or an underlying respiratory infection could be causing your persistent nighttime cough.
What does a cough that is worse at night indicate?
A nighttime cough that worsens at night could indicate postnasal drip, acid reflux, asthma, or a respiratory infection like bronchitis.
What is the reason for severe dry cough at night?
Postnasal drip, allergies, acid reflux, asthma, or respiratory infections can trigger nighttime dry coughs by irritating the throat or airways.
What position should I sleep to stop coughing?
Elevate your head and upper body with an extra pillow to help reduce postnasal drip and ease coughing, especially when lying down at night.
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