Coughing at night can be caused by various factors, including postnasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asthma, allergies, respiratory infections, and even environmental irritants like dust and smoke. When lying down, mucus or acid reflux can more easily irritate the throat and airways, triggering a cough. Additionally, dryness of the throat at night and certain medications can also contribute to nighttime coughing.
Common Causes of Nighttime Cough
- Postnasal drip: Lying down causes mucus to pool in the back of the throat, leading to cough reflex activation.
- GERD: Acid from the stomach can reflux into the esophagus and throat when lying flat, causing irritation and coughing.
- Respiratory infections: Colds, flu, bronchitis, and other infections can cause increased mucus and coughing.
- Asthma and allergies: These cause inflammation and narrowing of airways, worsening at night.
- Environmental factors: Dust, pollen, cigarette smoke, and dry air can irritate airways.
- Medications: Some drugs, such as ACE inhibitors, can induce a dry cough.
Why Coughing Gets Worse at Night
- The horizontal position allows mucus or acid to accumulate and irritate the airways more than when upright.
- Decreased saliva production at night leads to a drier, more sensitive throat.
- The body's immune response and circadian rhythms can amplify symptoms during night hours.
To alleviate nighttime coughing, measures like elevating the head while sleeping, using a humidifier, avoiding irritants, and managing underlying conditions such as GERD, asthma, or allergies can be effective. If coughing persists or worsens, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended for proper diagnosis and treatment.
