What are the ways to treat a cough during sleep, Coughing is a common ailment that people experience during the day, but it can worsen at night and become very bothersome, affecting sleep quality and worsening during sleep. This is known as a nighttime cough.
Many factors can cause a cough during sleep, such as colds and the flu, exposure to irritants, or nasal allergies. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Symptoms of a Cough During Sleep
A cough during sleep includes the following symptoms:
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Postnasal drip (a sensation at the back of the throat).
- Sore throat.
- A strong urge to clear the throat.
- Wheezing.
- Shortness of breath.
- The cough can be dry or wet.
Causes of a Cough During Sleep
The causes of a cough during sleep are generally the same as those during the day. Common causes of nighttime coughs include:
- Colds and the flu.
- Exposure to irritants such as dust, pollutants, and smoke.
- Persistent cough after a viral infection (such as COVID-19).
- Chronic bronchitis.
- Sleep apnea.
- Nasal allergies.
- Smoking.
- Post-nasal drip.
- Emphysema.
- Bronchiectasis.
- Heart failure.
- Asthma.
What causes increased coughing during sleep
Increased coughing during sleep can be attributed to several factors, including gravity. This is one of the simplest causes of coughing when sleeping on your back, as mucus tends to collect in the throat, exacerbating the cough.
Dry air can also contribute. Dry air in the home can worsen nasal and throat irritation, leading to increased coughing during sleep.
Treatment for coughing during sleep
Treatment for nighttime coughs depends on the type of cough. A doctor may prescribe medications to treat dry coughs, reducing the activity of the cough center in the brain and thus calming the cough. They may also prescribe medications to thin the mucus produced by coughing, making it easier to expel.
Medications for treating coughs during sleep
- Cufleve syrup.
- Endo cough syrup.
- Caventol syrup.
- Valulit syrup.
- Sedatus syrup.
- Ivy Zad syrup.
- Ambroxol capsules.
- Bromhexine syrup.
Ways to treat coughs during sleep
- Elevate your head with extra pillows to prevent mucus buildup in your throat.
- Drink warm liquids such as tea with honey and lemon, and soup to loosen mucus.
- Take a teaspoon of honey to soothe a cough.
- Gargle with warm salt water before bed to relieve a sore throat.
- Use a humidifier to soothe your throat, prevent dryness, and reduce the severity of your cough.
- Avoid allergens such as smoke, dust, and strong odors.
- Wash your bed linens regularly in hot water.
Tips for Relieving Chronic Nighttime Coughing
- Inhaling warm steam can help relieve bronchitis and congestion, or you can inhale steam while showering.
- Using saline nasal sprays can help clear nasal passages.
- Take the appropriate medication prescribed by your doctor based on the type and severity of your cough.
Article Summary
Nighttime coughing is a cough that worsens during sleep. Common causes include asthma, colds, the flu, allergies, and viral infections.
Nighttime coughing is common because lying down increases mucus and stomach acid buildup, and the respiratory system is more sensitive at night, leading to increased coughing. Treatment methods include elevating your head while sleeping and avoiding irritants such as smoke.