Morning coughing up phlegm. Exploring the Causes and Treatments of Morning Coughing With Phlegm
What are the possible causes of morning coughing with phlegm? How can these conditions be treated? Find the answers in this comprehensive article.
Uncovering the Causes of Morning Coughing With Phlegm
A morning cough accompanied by the production of phlegm can have various underlying causes, ranging from common illnesses to chronic respiratory conditions. Understanding the potential reasons behind this symptom is crucial for seeking the appropriate treatment.
The Common Cold: A Frequent Culprit
One of the most common causes of morning coughing with phlegm is the common cold. The average American experiences two to three colds per year, and children often have even more. During sleep, phlegm and other irritants can accumulate in the lungs and throat, leading to a wet or productive cough when you become active in the morning.
Symptoms of a Cold-Induced Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
Treating a Cold-Induced Cough
Treatments for a cough caused by the common cold may include drinking warm tea with honey, using decongestants or antihistamines, and employing cough suppressants or expectorants. Saline nasal sprays or warm vapor inhalation may also help clear mucus that can trigger the cough.
Respiratory Infections: Beyond the Common Cold
Respiratory infections, such as COVID-19, the flu (influenza), and pneumonia, can also lead to morning coughing with phlegm. Bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, can be either acute or chronic and can contribute to phlegm buildup overnight.
Symptoms of Respiratory Infections
- Fever
- General malaise
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Nasal congestion
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
Treating Respiratory Infections
The treatment for a cough caused by a respiratory infection, other than the common cold, can vary depending on the type of infection and whether it affects the upper or lower airway. In most cases, similar treatments to those used for the common cold, such as over-the-counter medications, may be effective. Antiviral therapy or antibiotics may be prescribed for certain infections.
Allergies and Postnasal Drip: A Troublesome Combination
Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, can also trigger a morning cough due to an immune reaction to airborne allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites. Postnasal drip, a buildup of excess mucus in the back of the throat, is often a contributing factor to coughing in the morning, especially for those with allergies or respiratory infections.
Symptoms of Allergies and Postnasal Drip
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Dry cough
- Headaches
- Watery eyes
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
Treating Allergies and Postnasal Drip
Potential treatments for a cough caused by allergies or postnasal drip include antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants. Saline nasal sprays or rinses, as well as staying hydrated, can also help alleviate symptoms.
Asthma: A Chronic Respiratory Condition
Asthma, a chronic condition that causes the airways to swell and become inflamed, can also lead to a morning cough, sometimes accompanied by phlegm production. The severity of asthma symptoms can range from barely noticeable to life-threatening.
Symptoms of Asthma-Related Coughing
- Dry or wet coughing
- Wheezing
- Trouble breathing
- Chest tightness
- Fatigue
Treating Asthma-Related Coughing
The treatment for a cough caused by asthma typically involves the use of bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and other medications to reduce inflammation and open the airways. It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop an effective asthma management plan.
Exploring Other Potential Causes
While the conditions mentioned above are some of the most common causes of morning coughing with phlegm, there are other, less frequent, possibilities to consider, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and certain medications. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Seeking Medical Advice and Personalized Care
If your morning cough with phlegm persists or worsens, it’s important to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can perform a thorough evaluation, order any necessary tests, and develop a personalized treatment plan to address the underlying cause and provide relief.
8 possible causes and treatments
A morning cough can occur due to an illness or another health condition, such as allergies or asthma. But if the cough lingers, you may need medical treatment.
Many things can cause a morning cough. Coughing is your body’s way of clearing irritants from your respiratory system. Often, it isn’t a sign of a serious medical condition.
Let’s examine eight potential causes of your morning coughing fits and look at how you can treat them.
While you sleep, phlegm and other irritants can pool in your lungs and throat. When you become active in the morning, the phlegm starts to break up and may trigger a coughing fit.
A cough that produces phlegm is known as a wet cough or productive cough. If it doesn’t produce phlegm, it’s called a dry cough or unproductive cough. Knowing which type you have can help you narrow down the cause.
If you have a cough in the morning, the common cold is a likely cause. The average American has two to three colds per year, and children usually have more. A persistent wet cough is one of the most common symptoms.
Many people find their cough is worse in the morning from phlegm that accumulates overnight.
Other symptoms of the common cold include:
- sore throat
- body aches
- fatigue
- headache
- sneezing
- runny nose
Treatment
Treatments for a cough caused by the common cold may include:
- drinking warm tea with honey
- decongestants or antihistamines
- cough suppressants or expectorants
- using a saline nasal spray or breathing in warm vapor to clear mucus that may cause a cough
As your doctor whether these medications, especially those available over the counter, are safe for a child.
Learn more about treatments for the common cold.
Respiratory infections are a group of infections that target either your upper or lower respiratory tracts.
The common cold is a type of respiratory infection, but there are many other types that can also cause a cough, such as COVID-19, the flu (influenza), and pneumonia.
Bronchitis is another type of respiratory infection that causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes in your lungs. It can be either acute or chronic.
Acute bronchitis is usually caused by an infection such as the common cold. Respiratory infections like bronchitis can potentially increase phlegm buildup overnight, leading to coughing fits in the morning.
Along with cold-like symptoms, respiratory infections can cause:
- fever
- general malaise
- wheezing
- chest tightness
- nasal congestion
- gastrointestinal symptoms
Treatment
The treatment for a cough caused by respiratory infection that is not the common cold can depend on the type of infection and whether it affects the upper or lower airway.
In most cases, you can turn to many of the same treatments that you would use for the common cold, as the symptoms can be similar.
If you also have a fever, you may also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Speak to your doctor before giving your child an NSAID or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Other treatments may include:
- antiviral therapy
- antibiotics for bacterial infections
Learn more about respiratory infections.
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an immune reaction to airborne allergens such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites.
Symptoms can include:
- runny nose
- nasal congestion
- dry cough
- headaches
- watery eyes
- wheezing
- shortness of breath
Because dust mites tend to live in bedding, people with dust mite allergies usually experience worse symptoms at night and in the morning.
Pollen counts are generally highest in the morning and may worsen your cough in the morning if you have a pollen allergy.
Treatment
Potential treatments for a cough caused by allergies include:
- antihistamines
- corticosteroids
- decongestants
Learn more about treatments for allergies.
A postnasal drip is one of the reasons allergic rhinitis or a respiratory infection can lead to a cough. This is when your body produces excess mucus that builds up in the back of your nose and drips into your throat. It’s often a symptom of colds, allergies, or eating spicy foods.
Symptoms include:
- a constant feeling of needing to clear your throat
- a wet cough that’s worse at night or in the morning
- nausea
- sore or scratchy throat
- bad breath
Postnasal drip tends to cause the most discomfort at night when you are sleeping. You may still feel the urge to clear your throat when you wake up.
Treatment
You can relieve postnatal drip by:
- using a saline spray or netipot to rinse out your sinuses
- decongestants
- antihistamines
- staying hydrated, which can help thin the mucous
Learn more on how to treat postnasal drip.
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes the airways to your lungs to swell. This swelling can make it difficult to breathe. Asthma severity can range from barely noticeable to life threatening.
The most common symptoms of asthma include:
- dry or wet coughing
- wheezing
- trouble breathing
- chest tightness
- fatigue
Many people with asthma have a cough that’s worse at night or in the early morning. If you have cough-variant asthma (CPA), your symptoms may be entirely confined to a cough that doesn’t seem to go away.
Treatment
If you have asthma, you can control your symptoms using short-acting and long-acting medications. These include:
- inhaled corticosteroids
- bronchodilators
- nebulizers
For more severe asthma, other treatment options are available. Learn more about asthma treatments.
COPD is a group of progressive pulmonary diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
The most common cause of COPD is smoking tobacco. The primary symptoms of COPD are a wet cough and trouble breathing.
Other symptoms include:
- wheezing
- chest tightness
- frequent sickness
- fatigue
Late-stage COPD may cause emergency symptoms, such as:
- bluish lips or gray fingernails from low oxygen levels
- confusion
- inability to catch your breath or talk
- rapid heart rate
Symptoms can appear at any time of day, but in general, people with COPD experience the worst symptoms in the morning.
Treatment
COPD treatment options include:
- quitting smoking (quitting can be difficult, but a doctor can help create a plan that works for you)
- bronchodilators
- oxygen therapy
- surgery
Learn more about treatments for COPD.
Recent research has shown that as much as 85% of chronic cough cases may be caused by GERD. GERD occurs when your stomach acid frequently flows back into your esophagus from your stomach.
Symptoms include:
- chronic cough
- burning in your chest, often after eating
- chest pain
- swallowing difficulty
- feeling of a lump in your throat
GERD commonly causes a cough after eating and when lying down. Some people with GERD may notice their cough is worse in the morning after spending the night lying in bed.
Treatment
Treatment options for GERD include:
- antacids
- medications to reduce stomach acid production
- prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors
- prescription-strength h3 receptor blockers
- surgery
Learn more about treatments for GERD.
If you find you are congested and coughing for a long time, you may have a sinus infection (sinusitis). The congestion in your nose can accumulate overnight, making you cough more when you wake up.
Other symptoms of a sinus infection include:
- postnatal drip
- sore throat
- headache
- bad breath
- pain in your face
Treatment
If your sinus infection is bacterial, you will need to take antibiotics. However, in many cases, a sinus infection can go away on its own.
In the meantime, you can use many of the same treatments that you would use for the common cold, other respiratory infections, allergies, or postnasal drip.
In addition, you can also place a warm compress on your nose and forehead to reduce your sinus pressure and help thin out mucus.
Learn more about treatments for a sinus infection.
If your morning cough doesn’t go away after several weeks, you should visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
A morning cough is also frequently paired with other symptoms. If you experience these symptoms, you should speak to a doctor:
- fever of 39°C (102.2°F) or higher in children, 38°C (100.4°F) or higher in a baby under 3 months old, or 39.4°C (103 degrees°F) in an adult
- greenish-yellow phlegm
- wheezing
- unexplained weight loss
- ankle swelling
Other symptoms may be more serious. Seek emergency help if you experience:
- trouble breathing
- severe headache
- dehydration
- fainting
- drowsiness or fatigue lasting longer than 2 weeks
- choking
- confusion
- coughing up blood or phlegm with a pink tint
- trouble swallowing
- chest pain
Medical emergency
Coughing up blood may be a sign of a serious medical issue. You should see a doctor if you see blood in your phlegm. Possible causes include:
- COPD
- lung cancer
- throat irritation
- respiratory infections
- asthma
- bronchitis
- pneumonia
Read on for answers to common questions about morning cough.
How do I stop coughing in the morning?
The best treatment option for your cough depends on the underlying cause. There isn’t a cure for the common cold or for respiratory infections. Getting plenty of rest will help your body fight the infection faster. Cough medication can help suppress your urge to cough, while decongestants can help manage postnasal drip.
How do I know what’s causing my morning cough?
The best way to know the cause of your morning cough is to see a doctor, especially if you also have other symptoms. The doctor will likely listen to your breathing with a stethoscope. They may send a sample of your mucus to a lab to search for a viral infection or measure your lung function with a spirometry test. If this is not enough to identify the cause, they may order imaging tests like an X-ray or a CT scan, or a scope test called a bronchoscopy to look inside your lungs with a small camera.
What’s causing my baby to cough in the morning?
Babies can experience morning coughs for many of the same reasons as adults and older children. When coughing in babies and children is caused by a respiratory infection, it appears in 46%-56% of children. Specific infections that can occur in young children include croup and whooping cough (pertussis).
There are many potential causes of a morning cough. Often, a morning cough isn’t a need for concern.
However, if it persists for more than 2 weeks or if you’re having trouble breathing, it’s a good idea to visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
8 possible causes and treatments
A morning cough can occur due to an illness or another health condition, such as allergies or asthma. But if the cough lingers, you may need medical treatment.
Many things can cause a morning cough. Coughing is your body’s way of clearing irritants from your respiratory system. Often, it isn’t a sign of a serious medical condition.
Let’s examine eight potential causes of your morning coughing fits and look at how you can treat them.
While you sleep, phlegm and other irritants can pool in your lungs and throat. When you become active in the morning, the phlegm starts to break up and may trigger a coughing fit.
A cough that produces phlegm is known as a wet cough or productive cough. If it doesn’t produce phlegm, it’s called a dry cough or unproductive cough. Knowing which type you have can help you narrow down the cause.
If you have a cough in the morning, the common cold is a likely cause. The average American has two to three colds per year, and children usually have more. A persistent wet cough is one of the most common symptoms.
Many people find their cough is worse in the morning from phlegm that accumulates overnight.
Other symptoms of the common cold include:
- sore throat
- body aches
- fatigue
- headache
- sneezing
- runny nose
Treatment
Treatments for a cough caused by the common cold may include:
- drinking warm tea with honey
- decongestants or antihistamines
- cough suppressants or expectorants
- using a saline nasal spray or breathing in warm vapor to clear mucus that may cause a cough
As your doctor whether these medications, especially those available over the counter, are safe for a child.
Learn more about treatments for the common cold.
Respiratory infections are a group of infections that target either your upper or lower respiratory tracts.
The common cold is a type of respiratory infection, but there are many other types that can also cause a cough, such as COVID-19, the flu (influenza), and pneumonia.
Bronchitis is another type of respiratory infection that causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes in your lungs. It can be either acute or chronic.
Acute bronchitis is usually caused by an infection such as the common cold. Respiratory infections like bronchitis can potentially increase phlegm buildup overnight, leading to coughing fits in the morning.
Along with cold-like symptoms, respiratory infections can cause:
- fever
- general malaise
- wheezing
- chest tightness
- nasal congestion
- gastrointestinal symptoms
Treatment
The treatment for a cough caused by respiratory infection that is not the common cold can depend on the type of infection and whether it affects the upper or lower airway.
In most cases, you can turn to many of the same treatments that you would use for the common cold, as the symptoms can be similar.
If you also have a fever, you may also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Speak to your doctor before giving your child an NSAID or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Other treatments may include:
- antiviral therapy
- antibiotics for bacterial infections
Learn more about respiratory infections.
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an immune reaction to airborne allergens such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites.
Symptoms can include:
- runny nose
- nasal congestion
- dry cough
- headaches
- watery eyes
- wheezing
- shortness of breath
Because dust mites tend to live in bedding, people with dust mite allergies usually experience worse symptoms at night and in the morning.
Pollen counts are generally highest in the morning and may worsen your cough in the morning if you have a pollen allergy.
Treatment
Potential treatments for a cough caused by allergies include:
- antihistamines
- corticosteroids
- decongestants
Learn more about treatments for allergies.
A postnasal drip is one of the reasons allergic rhinitis or a respiratory infection can lead to a cough. This is when your body produces excess mucus that builds up in the back of your nose and drips into your throat. It’s often a symptom of colds, allergies, or eating spicy foods.
Symptoms include:
- a constant feeling of needing to clear your throat
- a wet cough that’s worse at night or in the morning
- nausea
- sore or scratchy throat
- bad breath
Postnasal drip tends to cause the most discomfort at night when you are sleeping. You may still feel the urge to clear your throat when you wake up.
Treatment
You can relieve postnatal drip by:
- using a saline spray or netipot to rinse out your sinuses
- decongestants
- antihistamines
- staying hydrated, which can help thin the mucous
Learn more on how to treat postnasal drip.
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes the airways to your lungs to swell. This swelling can make it difficult to breathe. Asthma severity can range from barely noticeable to life threatening.
The most common symptoms of asthma include:
- dry or wet coughing
- wheezing
- trouble breathing
- chest tightness
- fatigue
Many people with asthma have a cough that’s worse at night or in the early morning. If you have cough-variant asthma (CPA), your symptoms may be entirely confined to a cough that doesn’t seem to go away.
Treatment
If you have asthma, you can control your symptoms using short-acting and long-acting medications. These include:
- inhaled corticosteroids
- bronchodilators
- nebulizers
For more severe asthma, other treatment options are available. Learn more about asthma treatments.
COPD is a group of progressive pulmonary diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
The most common cause of COPD is smoking tobacco. The primary symptoms of COPD are a wet cough and trouble breathing.
Other symptoms include:
- wheezing
- chest tightness
- frequent sickness
- fatigue
Late-stage COPD may cause emergency symptoms, such as:
- bluish lips or gray fingernails from low oxygen levels
- confusion
- inability to catch your breath or talk
- rapid heart rate
Symptoms can appear at any time of day, but in general, people with COPD experience the worst symptoms in the morning.
Treatment
COPD treatment options include:
- quitting smoking (quitting can be difficult, but a doctor can help create a plan that works for you)
- bronchodilators
- oxygen therapy
- surgery
Learn more about treatments for COPD.
Recent research has shown that as much as 85% of chronic cough cases may be caused by GERD. GERD occurs when your stomach acid frequently flows back into your esophagus from your stomach.
Symptoms include:
- chronic cough
- burning in your chest, often after eating
- chest pain
- swallowing difficulty
- feeling of a lump in your throat
GERD commonly causes a cough after eating and when lying down. Some people with GERD may notice their cough is worse in the morning after spending the night lying in bed.
Treatment
Treatment options for GERD include:
- antacids
- medications to reduce stomach acid production
- prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors
- prescription-strength h3 receptor blockers
- surgery
Learn more about treatments for GERD.
If you find you are congested and coughing for a long time, you may have a sinus infection (sinusitis). The congestion in your nose can accumulate overnight, making you cough more when you wake up.
Other symptoms of a sinus infection include:
- postnatal drip
- sore throat
- headache
- bad breath
- pain in your face
Treatment
If your sinus infection is bacterial, you will need to take antibiotics. However, in many cases, a sinus infection can go away on its own.
In the meantime, you can use many of the same treatments that you would use for the common cold, other respiratory infections, allergies, or postnasal drip.
In addition, you can also place a warm compress on your nose and forehead to reduce your sinus pressure and help thin out mucus.
Learn more about treatments for a sinus infection.
If your morning cough doesn’t go away after several weeks, you should visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
A morning cough is also frequently paired with other symptoms. If you experience these symptoms, you should speak to a doctor:
- fever of 39°C (102.2°F) or higher in children, 38°C (100.4°F) or higher in a baby under 3 months old, or 39.4°C (103 degrees°F) in an adult
- greenish-yellow phlegm
- wheezing
- unexplained weight loss
- ankle swelling
Other symptoms may be more serious. Seek emergency help if you experience:
- trouble breathing
- severe headache
- dehydration
- fainting
- drowsiness or fatigue lasting longer than 2 weeks
- choking
- confusion
- coughing up blood or phlegm with a pink tint
- trouble swallowing
- chest pain
Medical emergency
Coughing up blood may be a sign of a serious medical issue. You should see a doctor if you see blood in your phlegm. Possible causes include:
- COPD
- lung cancer
- throat irritation
- respiratory infections
- asthma
- bronchitis
- pneumonia
Read on for answers to common questions about morning cough.
How do I stop coughing in the morning?
The best treatment option for your cough depends on the underlying cause. There isn’t a cure for the common cold or for respiratory infections. Getting plenty of rest will help your body fight the infection faster. Cough medication can help suppress your urge to cough, while decongestants can help manage postnasal drip.
How do I know what’s causing my morning cough?
The best way to know the cause of your morning cough is to see a doctor, especially if you also have other symptoms. The doctor will likely listen to your breathing with a stethoscope. They may send a sample of your mucus to a lab to search for a viral infection or measure your lung function with a spirometry test. If this is not enough to identify the cause, they may order imaging tests like an X-ray or a CT scan, or a scope test called a bronchoscopy to look inside your lungs with a small camera.
What’s causing my baby to cough in the morning?
Babies can experience morning coughs for many of the same reasons as adults and older children. When coughing in babies and children is caused by a respiratory infection, it appears in 46%-56% of children. Specific infections that can occur in young children include croup and whooping cough (pertussis).
There are many potential causes of a morning cough. Often, a morning cough isn’t a need for concern.
However, if it persists for more than 2 weeks or if you’re having trouble breathing, it’s a good idea to visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
causes and effective treatments
Contents
- 1 Cough in the morning: causes and effective treatments
- 1.1 How to get rid of morning cough: causes and treatments
- 1.1.1 Causes of morning cough
9 0005 1.1.2 Effective treatment of morning cough
- 1.1.3 Important to remember
- 1.1 How to get rid of morning cough: causes and treatments
- 1.2 Understanding the causes of cough in the morning
- 1.3 The influence of the environment on cough in the morning
- 1.4 Environmental irritants
- 1. 5 Allergies and cough in the morning
- 1.6 Weakened immunity and cough in the morning
- 1.7 Cough in the morning and smoking cough in the morning?
- 1.7.2 How to get rid of a cough caused by smoking?
- 1.7.3 When should you seek medical attention for a morning cough caused by smoking?
- 1.8.1 Causes of cough in children in the morning
- 1.8.2 Effective methods of treating cough in children in the morning
- 1.12.1 Keep the room humid
- 1.12.2 Avoid smoking
- 1.12.3 Look after your health
- 1.12.4 Drink enough water
- 1.12.5 Exercise regularly
- 1.12.6 Eat healthy food
- 9000 4
- 1.14.0.1 Why can morning cough occur?
- 1.14.0.2 Is morning cough a sign of a serious illness?
- 1.14.0.3 Are there any special treatments for morning cough?
- 1.14.0.4 Can morning cough be related to lack of ventilation in the bedroom?
- 1.14.0.5 What natural medicines can help with morning cough?
- 1.14.0.6 What can be done to prevent morning cough?
Find out what causes coughing in the morning and how to deal with it. The article discusses the causes of cough and methods of its treatment that will help you get rid of the troublesome symptom and improve your quality of life.
Cough is one of the most common symptoms that a person can experience. However, when a cough occurs exclusively in the morning, it can be a warning sign of a possible problem in the body.
There can be many reasons for coughing in the morning, and it is important to understand that each case can be treated differently. Some of the most common causes include allergies, respiratory infections, environmental reactions, and diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
If the cough in the morning persists for more than a few days or is accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain, a doctor should be consulted and diagnosed. In addition, depending on the source of the cough, home treatment is often possible, which may include simple measures such as humidifying the air and drinking warm drinks and medicines.
How to get rid of morning cough: causes and treatments
Causes of morning cough
Cough that occurs in the morning can have different causes. In most cases, it is associated with a violation of breathing during sleep. For example, a person can sleep on their back or on their side, which leads to constriction of the airways and disruption of air exchange in the lungs. This can cause dry throat and cough.
In addition, morning cough may be a sign of allergies or chronic respiratory disease. For example, people with asthma or bronchitis often have a morning cough.
Effective treatment for morning cough
Once the cause of the morning cough has been identified, treatment can begin. If the cause is associated with a violation of breathing during sleep, then it is recommended to change the sleeping position. For example, sleeping on your side or using special pillows to support your neck.
Persons suffering from chronic respiratory problems should consult a physician. He will determine the necessary course of treatment and prescribe the appropriate drugs. In addition, the doctor may recommend special exercises to improve respiratory function.
Important to remember
- Cough in the morning can be a sign of various respiratory problems;
- Once the cause of the cough has been identified, treatment can begin;
- In case of chronic respiratory disease, seek medical attention;
- Lifestyle changes and exercise can help relieve morning coughs.
Understanding the causes of coughs in the morning
Cough that appears in a person immediately after waking up is often associated with the presence of some kind of disease. Although the morning cough can be explained not only by the presence of an infection in the body, but also by other reasons.
Coughing in the morning can be associated with many factors, for example, if a person smokes, then morning coughing can be due to the accumulation of tar and debris in the lungs. Also, a cough in the morning can be a manifestation of allergic reactions to some products, dust, fluff and other allergens that a person will meet in the morning.
In addition, the temperature in the room can usually be higher at night than during the day, preventing comfortable sleep and drying out the mucous membranes of the throat and nose, which can cause coughing.
Thus, morning cough can be a symptom of various problems, ranging from simple mechanical factors to serious diseases. If the problem of occasional coughing in the morning persists after a few days and seems to be asymptomatic, then you need to see a doctor and perform a diagnosis.
Influence of the environment on cough in the morning
External factors can have a significant influence on the occurrence of cough in the morning. For example, dry indoor air, especially in winter, can irritate the lining of the respiratory tract and result in coughing.
Another factor that can cause coughing is changes in ambient temperature. For example, a room that is too hot or too cold can cause a reaction in the body and cause a cough.
- To reduce the influence of external factors on coughing in the morning, it is recommended to monitor the humidity in the room.
- It is also worth avoiding allergens, if known, and leading a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and exercise.
If the cough in the morning persists, you should consult a doctor and be examined to rule out more serious causes.
Environmental irritants
The environment can be one of the main causes of morning coughs. The air we breathe in can contain harmful particles such as dust, smoke, chemical fumes, fungal spores, etc. All of these substances can irritate the respiratory tract and cause coughing.
Smoking is especially hazardous to health. Tobacco smoke contains hundreds of harmful substances and is the cause of many respiratory diseases, including asthma and chronic bronchitis. If you smoke, then the best solution for your health is to quit this addiction.
Allergens are another environmental irritant. House dust, pollen from flowers, animals and other objects can cause allergic reactions and, as a result, cough in the morning.
- Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
- Clean the air in your home with filters and air conditioners.
- Ventilate the room regularly to get rid of harmful substances and allergens.
- Avoid contact with allergens if you know they are causing you an allergic reaction.
Allergies and cough in the morning
Some people suffer from cough in the morning, which can be caused by allergies. An allergy is an immune system reaction to various substances called allergens such as dust, plant pollen, pets, etc.
The good news is that allergies can be easily diagnosed and successfully treated. Treatment for allergies usually involves avoiding allergens, taking antihistamines, and using inhalers to help widen the airways.
- Avoid allergens. If you know what causes your allergy, try to avoid it.
- Air in the bedroom. Purify the air in your bedroom with an air purifier or air conditioner.
- Antihistamines. Talk to your doctor about taking antihistamines, which can help manage your allergy symptoms.
- Inhalers. Inhalers help widen the airways, which can reduce symptoms of cough and nasal congestion.
Weakening of the immune system and cough in the morning
Cough in the morning can be caused by various reasons, but one of the main ones is the weakening of the immune system. The immune system is the body’s defense system that is responsible for fighting pathogens and infections.
The weakening of the immune system can occur for various reasons: lack of sleep, stress, malnutrition, viral diseases, antibiotics and other factors. When the immune system is weakened, the body becomes more vulnerable to viruses and bacteria, which can lead to the development of a cough in the morning.
Immunocompromised morning cough may be dry or mucus-producing, depending on the cause. This may be accompanied by headache, weakness, increased fatigue.
For the prevention and treatment of cough in the morning with a weakened immune system, it is necessary to strengthen your immunity. This can be done through a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, exercise, taking vitamins and minerals. It is also important to avoid contact with sick people and practice good hand hygiene.
Cough in the morning and smoking
Why does smoking cause cough in the morning?
Smoking is one of the main causes of coughing in the morning. The smoke that is inhaled by a person irritates the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, which leads to their inflammation and the formation of a cough. After a night’s rest, the lungs are freed from impurities, and in the morning the active removal of accumulated mucus and sputum begins, which manifests itself in the form of a cough.
How to get rid of a cough caused by smoking?
The first step to getting rid of morning cough is to stop smoking. Studies have shown that coughing in the morning stops completely after 4 weeks without cigarettes. In addition, it is recommended to ventilate the smoking area and use humidifiers to soften mucous membranes and reduce inflammation. A good alternative to smoking can be sports or other physical exercises that can strengthen the immune system and make breathing easier.
When should you seek medical attention for a morning cough caused by smoking?
If a cough persists after quitting smoking, or is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or hemoptysis, seek medical attention. This may be a sign of a more serious respiratory disease that requires immediate medical attention.
Cough in the morning in children
Causes of cough in the morning in children
Cough in the morning in children can be triggered by various factors, such as:
- Respiratory diseases. Colds can cause children to cough, which worsens in the morning.
- Allergy. Some children may have an allergic reaction to dust, pollen, or other allergens that cause them to cough in the morning.
- Changing weather conditions. Changes in temperature and humidity can irritate the throat and cause coughing.
Effective methods for treating cough in children in the morning
The following methods are used to treat cough in children in the morning:
- Washing the nose with saline helps reduce mucus and cough.
- The use of drugs can help relieve coughing. It is recommended to consult with a pediatrician before choosing a treatment.
- Humidifying indoor air can help keep mucous membranes moist and reduce coughing.
What can be done to prevent morning cough in children?
2. Ensure that the room has sufficient humidity. |
3. Avoid contact with possible allergens. |
4. Maintain a good daily routine and a healthy lifestyle. |
Morning cough medication
Coughing in the morning can be quite annoying, especially if it interferes with a productive start to the day. The most common cause of morning cough is the accumulation of mucus in the airways caused by inflammation in the lungs or nasopharynx. In order to cope with a cough in the morning, you can use various drugs that will help reduce mucus discharge and make breathing easier.
If the cough is accompanied by itching in the throat and a dry cough, then the drug mechanism is exactly the opposite, and antitussives, for example, based on sodium benzoate or dextromethorphan, should be used. However, it should be noted that the use of such drugs should be carried out under the supervision of doctors, as they can cause dulling of the sensitivity or depression of the respiratory center if used in the wrong dosage or in combination with other drugs.
If the cough in the morning appears due to an allergic reaction, then it is necessary to choose antihistamines, for example, Claritin or Erius, which will help reduce the inflammation and eliminate the cough.
In any case, in order to identify and choose the most suitable drug for you, you must definitely consult a doctor and get recommendations on the use of one of the above drugs, and best of all, treat cough in the morning only under their supervision.
Treatment of cough in the morning with folk remedies
Cough is a protective reaction of the body to irritation of the respiratory tract. Although a cough can be a symptom of various illnesses, it is usually the first sign of a cold or flu.
The most effective remedies for the treatment of cough in the morning are traditional recipes. The use of ginger, honey, lemon, milk, and propolis can help manage a cough without the use of chemicals.
- Ginger: Ginger root tincture is an excellent cough remedy. To prepare, pour boiling water over grated ginger root and let it brew for at least 15 minutes.
- Honey with Lemon: The combination of honey and lemon is one of the best known folk remedies for coughs. To prepare, you need to heat the honey and squeeze the juice of half a lemon into it. Take every morning on an empty stomach.
- Propolis: It is a natural antibiotic and an excellent cough remedy. Dissolve a few drops of propolis in tea or warm milk and drink before bed.
Exercise and massage for coughs in the morning
Cough in the morning may indicate upper respiratory tract disease. Exercise and massage can be used to improve the condition and reduce coughing.
One of the effective exercises is the gymnastics of the respiratory muscles. You need to take a deep breath and then exhale slowly, trying to exhale all the air. This exercise is repeated several times a day and helps to improve the functioning of the lungs and bronchi.
Chest massage is also helpful. With gentle movements, you need to massage the chest, starting from the upper corner and going down to the lower edge of the costal arch. This improves circulation and reduces congestion.
- Optimal exercises to improve the functioning of the respiratory system are:
- Circular movements of the head and neck. They improve blood circulation and relax muscles;
- Stretching the neck muscles helps to relax and reduce the effects of coughing;
- Exercise “Nordic walking” – helps to increase the volume of the lungs and strengthen the muscles of the chest;
- Walking outdoors helps relieve stress and fatigue, as well as reduce coughing.
Therefore, regular exercise and massage are effective methods to reduce cough in the morning. However, if the cough persists for a long time or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult a doctor for treatment.
Cough prevention in the morning
Keep the room humid
Dry air can irritate the respiratory system and cause coughing, especially in the morning. To avoid these problems, keep indoor humidity in the 40 to 60 percent range. You can use humidifiers or install a bowl of water on the battery.
Avoid smoking
Cigarette smoke can irritate the respiratory system and cause coughing. If you smoke, try quitting the habit. If you are a non-smoker, avoid being around people who smoke.
Take care of your health
Check your health regularly and monitor your own well-being. Illnesses such as asthma or allergies can cause you to cough in the morning. If you have any of these conditions, follow your doctor’s instructions and take the necessary steps to prevent flare-ups.
Drink enough water
Lack of water can lead to irritation of the respiratory tract and dryness in the throat. Drink hot tea, warm water with honey and lemon, or other warm drinks to relieve your cough. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
Exercise regularly
Exercise can boost the immune system and prevent coughing. Exercising or doing yoga can help improve circulation and reduce the risk of coughing in the morning.
Eat healthy food
Proper nutrition can strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of coughing. Try to eat less fatty and fried foods, and more fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. This will help your body stay healthy and strong.
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Q&A:
Why morning cough can occur?
Morning cough can occur for a variety of reasons, from allergies to irritation of the respiratory tract from smoking or diseases in the respiratory system.
Is morning cough a sign of a serious illness?
Cough in the morning can be a sign of a variety of illnesses, from mild allergic reactions to serious respiratory problems. It is important to see a doctor to determine the exact cause of the cough.
Are there any special treatments for morning cough?
Shops offer various medicines, special inhalers, but first of all it is important to find out the causes of the cough and follow the doctor’s recommendations for treatment.
Can morning cough be related to lack of ventilation in the bedroom?
Yes, lack of ventilation can cause morning cough. It is important to provide fresh air and proper ventilation in the bedroom, especially during the flowering period.
What natural medicines can help with morning cough?
You can use natural methods to reduce your morning cough, such as drinking herbal teas or using essential oils. However, it is important not to forget about visiting a doctor to determine the cause of the cough and prescribe adequate treatment.
What can be done to prevent morning cough?
Morning cough can be prevented by keeping the indoor air clean, maintaining a proper sleep pattern, avoiding allergens, not smoking, maintaining a healthy respiratory system and taking all measures to strengthen the immune system.
Morning cough in adults: correct treatment and causes
- Causes of morning dry and wet cough in adults
- How to treat morning cough?
Sometimes, immediately after sleep, a person develops a sore throat, which turns into a cough. In most cases, this is due to the fact that during sleep, when a person is in a horizontal position for a long time, the natural processes of mucus discharge are disturbed, it accumulates. To clear the airways, the cough reflex is activated. However, morning cough in an adult may appear for other reasons.
May cause cough in the morning:
Dry air
If there is little moisture in the air, then the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx dries up, which leads to perspiration and a desire to cough up. In the daytime, a person can ventilate the room or drink water, but at night this is not possible.
Serious diseases of the respiratory and other systems
Different types of cough can be caused by pneumonia, bronchitis, chronic heart failure, diabetes mellitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
For example, in heart failure, dry cough begins at night, because due to the horizontal position of the body, the lungs begin to fill with fluid. With GERD, gastric juice is thrown into the esophagus, the mucous membrane of the throat is irritated – hence the desire to cough up. With diabetes, the mucous membranes dry out, which leads to perspiration and a desire to cough up.
SARS
Cough itself is a symptom of SARS and can occur at any time of the day. But morning cough with SARS is often associated with a runny nose. At night, when a person is lying down, the mucus from the nose flows down the back of the nasopharynx and irritates it.
Allergy
Another cause of morning dry cough in an adult is the ingress of allergens into the respiratory tract. The mucosa swells and produces more mucus. By morning it becomes too much, the person begins to cough. Morning cough can also be associated with the type of allergen – for example, there is an allergy to feathers and down, which are filled with pillows. In the daytime, such an allergy does not bother a person.
Smoking
Tobacco smoke contains dozens of dangerous substances that irritate the respiratory mucosa, provoke inflammation, inhibit the work of cilia, which perform the function of clearing the bronchi. Severe coughing fits in a smoker usually occur in the morning – after the first cigarette smoked. Cough is a tool with which the body tries to get rid of a new portion of toxic substances and mucus accumulated overnight.
Drinks and spicy food
If you eat too spicy food or drink a lot of alcohol in the evening, you may experience a sore throat, burning and coughing in the morning. This is also the result of irritation of the mucous membrane of the throat, as is the case with GERD.
It is important to distinguish between first aid for morning cough and cough treatment in the morning.
To stop a cough in the morning, gargle with warm water or drink a warm, non-acidic drink. You should also rinse your nose and clear it of secretions. This should be done regardless of the cause of the morning cough.
However, to effectively treat a dry or wet cough, the cause must be determined. If you cannot do this on your own, see a doctor: a general practitioner, an ENT specialist, or a pulmonologist.
Diseases of the respiratory and other systems
For bronchitis and pneumonia, therapy is carried out aimed at eliminating the pathogen. Also, patients are recommended antitussive or expectorant drugs (depending on the type of cough). In GERD, a diet combined with drugs that reduce the secretion of gastric juice and neutralize hydrochloric acid, which is produced in the stomach, is effective.
Treatment of ARVI is predominantly symptomatic. Washing the nose with sea water moisturizes the mucosa, thins thick mucus, which makes it easier to blow your nose (mucus will drain down the back wall of the nasopharynx in a smaller amount). For sore throats, special sprays are used that soothe the mucous membrane and reduce inflammation. 9 will help normalize the condition of the throat and nasopharynx, restore the mucous membrane, cope with discomfort, perspiration that provokes coughing, and stimulate the excretion of sputum.0176 lozenges with honey and raspberries Breathe ® . They include raspberries and honey, vitamin C, aloe extract, essential oils of clove, lemon, mint, lemon balm and cinnamon. Pastilles have a mild pleasant taste.
Allergy
If the cough is caused by an allergy, the doctor will prescribe antihistamines. However, the most important thing in this case is to eliminate the allergen. It may be necessary to take additional tests to identify it.
Dry air
Ventilation and humidification are the main tools in the fight against dry air in the room. It is necessary to ventilate the room well at night – open the window for at least 15 minutes.