What causes a nighttime cough? What are the best remedies for nocturnal coughing? Get the answers to these questions and more in this comprehensive guide.

Understand the Causes of Nighttime Coughing

Coughing at night can occur for various reasons, including exposure to irritants, underlying medical conditions, and lifestyle factors. Some of the common causes of nocturnal coughing include:

Environmental Factors

• Exposure to tobacco smoke, either directly or secondhand
• Dry air in the bedroom due to air conditioning or heating systems
• Exposure to indoor allergens such as dust, mold, and pet dander

Medical Conditions

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause coughing due to acid reflux
• Asthma, which can trigger coughing at night
• Postnasal drip, caused by conditions like sinusitis or allergies

Effective Remedies for Nighttime Coughing

Fortunately, there are several strategies and remedies that can help alleviate nighttime coughing. Here are some of the most effective solutions:

Lifestyle Changes

• Quitting smoking or avoiding secondhand smoke exposure
• Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air
• Reducing exposure to indoor allergens by cleaning regularly and using allergy-friendly bedding
• Elevating the head of the bed to reduce the effects of GERD and postnasal drip

Medications and Natural Remedies

• Over-the-counter cough suppressants or expectorants
• Prescription medications for underlying conditions like GERD or asthma
• Honey, lemon, and salt water gargles to soothe the throat
• Herbal preparations, such as peppermint or ginger tea, to ease coughing

Tips for Choosing an Air Purifier

Air filters and purifiers can be effective in reducing indoor allergens and improving air quality, which may help alleviate nighttime coughing. When selecting an air purifier, look for the following features:

• HEPA filtration to capture small particles like dust and pollen
• High clean air delivery rate (CADR) to efficiently filter the air in your bedroom
• Energy-efficient design to keep your electricity costs low
• Quiet operation to avoid disrupting your sleep

The Benefits of Elevating the Head of the Bed

Raising the head of your bed can be an effective way to reduce the symptoms of GERD and postnasal drip, both of which can contribute to nighttime coughing. By elevating the head, you can help prevent acid reflux and mucus from pooling in the back of the throat, which can trigger coughing fits.

There are several ways to raise the head of your bed, including using adjustable bed frames, adding extra pillows, or placing blocks under the legs of your bed frame. Aim for a head elevation of 6 to 8 inches to see the most benefit.

Herbal and Natural Remedies for Coughing

In addition to over-the-counter medications, there are several natural remedies that may help soothe a nighttime cough:

• Honey: Honey has natural cough-suppressing and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Lemon: The vitamin C and citric acid in lemon can help thin mucus and reduce coughing.
• Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects that can ease coughing.
• Peppermint: Peppermint contains menthol, which can help soothe the throat and loosen mucus.
• Thyme: Thyme has been used traditionally to treat respiratory issues, including coughing.

Remember to consult with your healthcare provider before trying any new herbal or natural remedies, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions.

Maintaining Good Indoor Air Quality

Ensuring good indoor air quality is an important step in managing nighttime coughing. In addition to using a humidifier and air purifier, consider the following tips:

• Regularly clean and vacuum to reduce dust and allergens
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or fragrances that can irritate the airways
• Ensure proper ventilation in your home to prevent the buildup of pollutants
• Monitor indoor humidity levels and maintain them between 40-50% for optimal comfort

By addressing the root causes of your nighttime coughing and implementing effective remedies, you can improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.

22 tips and remedies, plus causes

Coughing can occur at night for various reasons. When it does, it can affect a person’s ability to sleep and get enough rest. But there are ways to relieve a nighttime cough, such as using a humidifier or herbal preparations.

A troublesome cough during the day may seem worse at night, and some coughs worsen when a person lies down. However, various strategies can help a person get a better night’s sleep with a cough.

These strategies include:

• using a humidifier
• reducing exposure to allergens
• managing acid reflux, asthma, and other underlying conditions
• drinking honey and lemon
• using medications, including herbal preparations
• salt water gargle or saline irrigation
• raising the head
• quitting smoking or avoiding tobacco smoke

In this article, learn about 22 ways to reduce or ease nighttime coughing. Inlcuding managing the environment, using medications, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies.

Here are some tips that focus on managing the air people breathe, both in the bedroom and during the day.

1. Try to quit smoking

Exposure to tobacco smoke is the most common environmental cause of chronic cough.

Quitting smoking also lowers the risk of a cough as well GERD, asthma, and other causes of a nighttime cough. A person should see an improvement after 8 weeks of quitting.

A doctor can advise on effective ways to quit and how to use aids such as nicotine patches, gum, and medication.

2. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke

According to the American Cancer Society, people who do not smoke but spend time in smoky areas are also at risk of a cough, asthma, various lung diseases, and cancers.

Asking others not to smoke and avoiding smoky areas may help reduce irritation and inflammation.

If a person finds it hard to quit, they can still help protect their household by:

• avoiding smoking indoors
• making the car a smoke-free zone
• avoiding places when out with the family or other household members

How does secondhand smoke affect people with asthma?

3.

Try a humidifier

Dry air can irritate the throat and sinuses and make a cough worse. Air conditioning and cooling fans in the summer and heating systems in the winter can make the environment dry.

Using a humidifier at night can add moisture to the air while a person sleeps. This may help soothe the throat and prevent coughing. It is best to use distilled or demineralized water, as tap water can leave particles when it evaporates.

However, too much moisture can contribute to mold growth. Mold can be an allergen and cause more coughing.

A humidity level of about 40–50% is suitable for a bedroom, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.

4. Manage allergens

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a generally harmless substance. Indoor allergens include mold, pet dander, and dust. They can lead to sneezing, stuffiness, and coughing.

Some ways to decrease allergy-related coughing in the bedroom are:

• using an asthma and allergy-friendly vacuum cleaner once or twice weekly to remove dust
• putting an allergy cover on the mattress
• showering before bed to remove outdoor allergens, such as pollen
• keeping pets out of the bedroom

5.

Reducing dust

Dust in the bedroom can make symptoms worse at night.

Here are some tips for reducing dust and dust mites, another common allergen:

• avoiding wall-to-wall carpets, soft furniture, stuffed toys, and other items that collect dust
• washing bedding in hot water once a week
• ventilating the space
• preventing damp, as mold increases dust

What is a dust mite allergy?

6. Keep windows closed

Depending on where a person lives, keeping the windows closed may help reduce allergic reactions and coughing at night.

Keeping the windows closed may help eliminate dust, air pollution, and pollen from the sleeping area.

7. Use an air filter

Air filters and air purifiers can help remove particles from the air.

Research from 2020 looked at the effect of using air filters in the bedroom for 6 weeks on people with allergic rhinitis.

Results suggested that an air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter can significantly lower both the concentration of particles in the air and the need for medication in people with this condition.

How do you choose a good air purifier?

8. Raise the head of the bed

Coughing often worsens at night because a person is lying flat in bed. Mucus can pool in the back of the throat and cause coughing.

Sleeping with the head elevated can reduce the symptoms of postnasal drip and GERD. Both can cause coughing at night.

One study suggests that raising the head of the bed may be a safe alternative to using GERD medications, although more studies are needed.

A person can prop up the head of their bed using:

• an adjustable bed
• additional pillows
• blocks under the legs of the bed
• a back wedge

A change in sleep position can allow mucus to flow without causing coughing.

There are many herbal and natural remedies for a cough. Always check first with a doctor, as there is not enough scientific research to confirm that many natural remedies are effective and safe, and they may interact with other therapies.

Remedies such as essential oils and honey will not cure an underlying condition. A person with a severe cough will need medical treatment, too.

Learn about 12 natural cough remedies.

9. Drink lemon with honey

Drinking lemon with honey before bed may help soothe the throat and reduce irritation. According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service, it has a similar effect to cough medicines.

Honey is not suitable for children under 12 months due to the risk of botulism, a form of food poisoning.

10. Ivy leaf

Some cough mixtures contain natural expectorants, such as the extract of ivy leaf (Hedera helix).

A 2020 study involving 118 people concluded that using ivy leaf cough syrup for 7 days improved symptoms of acute bronchitis and various cough-associated sleep disorders. It may be a safe and effective therapy for both children and adults.

Ivy leaf appears to loosen and thin mucus in the same way as acetylcysteine, another treatment for managing mucus, but with fewer side effects.

11. Thyme and primrose

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is an herb with antispasmodic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. The active ingredient in thyme is thymol.

Primrose (Primula officinalis) also has similar properties and is also an expectorant, helping the body expel mucus.

In 2016, researchers found that a medication containing primrose, thyme, and thymol effectively reduced cough in people with respiratory tract infections.

12. Essential oils

Essential oils may help reduce cough and other symptoms of bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and other upper respiratory tract infections.

Oils of the following plants have shown promise in reducing cough:

• anise
• bitter fennel fruit
• eucalyptus
• peppermint

Add a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint to water and use for inhalation.

Always check first with a doctor, as essential oils may not be safe for everyone. It is also crucial to follow the instructions for each oil and to use them correctly. Always keep them out of reach of children and pets.

What is aromatherapy?

Although research suggests that essential oils may have some health benefits, it is important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor or regulate the purity or quality of these. A person should talk with a healthcare professional before using essential oils, and they should be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. A person should always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.

13. Gargle with warm salt water before bed

Many people use a saltwater gargle to ease a sore or irritated throat. There is some evidence that it may help prevent or manage infections by flushing out unwanted particles and pathogens from the throat.

In 2021, some scientists concluded that using a saltwater gargle may help manage COVID-19, but more studies are needed.

To make a saltwater gargle, a person can mix a teaspoon of salt in about 6 ounces of warm water and gargle a few times before bed. A person should spit out the saltwater after gargling.

14. Use a saline nasal spray

A doctor may recommend a saline or steroid nasal spray to irrigate the nasal passages and the upper airway. A saline spray contains a specially prepared solution of salt and water.

A saline nasal spray may help:

• flush out particles in the nasal passages
• remove mucus and pathogens from the back of the throat
• manage chronic inflammatory conditions, such as sino-rhinitis
• prevent upper respiratory tract infections

According to a 2015 review, there is not enough evidence to prove that irrigating with a saline solution is effective. However, some trials have shown it can reduce nasal secretions, improve nasal breathing, and lower the need for medications.

Research from 2017 looked at data for 45 people with a dust mite allergy who used normal saline nasal-pharyngeal irrigation for 30 days. At the end of the study period, they reported better relief from their cough with normal saline compared with nasal corticosteroids.

15. NetiKriya

This is a yoga-based treatment and one of the six cleansing techniques, or Shatkarmas, of Hatha yoga.

Similar to saltwater gargle or saline irrigation, the practice of Jala Neti uses a neti pot, a small pot filled with lukewarm saltwater with a spout for inserting the water into the nose.

In NetiKriya, a person takes the water into one side of the nose and then blows it back out through the other side of the nose.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests the following technique for using a neti pot:

1. Leaning over a sink, tilt the head sideways so that the forehead and chin are level.
2. Insert the spout into the upper nostril while breathing through the mouth.
3. Allow the water to drain down through the lower nostril.
4. Clear the nostrils and repeat on the other side.

It is an ancient practice that may help manage rhinosinusitis, a common cause of a cough.

The use of neti pots may not be safe for everyone, and people should check first with a doctor before using one. Always use purified water, as there is a risk of infection with tap water.

The FDA also urges people to ensure their hands and all equipment are clean.

NetiKriya is not suitable for those susceptible to ear infections.

How does a sinus flush work?

Cough medications are available over the counter (OTC) or as a prescription. Prescription drugs are stronger.

These products may have side effects and interact with other drugs. A person should discuss their choices with a doctor or pharmacist first. It is also essential to choose the right sort for the person’s age and the type of cough they have.

Some formulations are especially for nighttime coughs and contain ingredients that help a person sleep, such as Tylenol cold plus flu plus cough night.

16. Cough suppressants

Cough suppressants block the cough reflex. They are available as OTC or prescription drugs. Some prescription cough suppressants contain codeine and are unsuitable for children aged 17 and under.

Which drugs help with a dry cough?

17. Expectorants

Expectorants include products such as guaifenesin (Mucinex). They thin the mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up. By helping cough the mucus up, an expectorant may shorten how long a cough lasts.

They can help treat upper respiratory tract infections and chronic respiratory diseases, including COPD.

18. Use a steroid nasal spray

A steroid spray, such as fluticasone propionate (Flonase), contains corticosteroid medications. These help reduce inflammation, and doctors sometimes prescribe them for people with nonallergic rhinitis. A steroid spray may also help manage a postnasal drip.

However, corticosteroid use can have adverse effects, including a possible worsening of asthma symptoms. It is essential to follow a doctor’s instructions when using a steroid spray.

19. Vaccinations

Following a doctor’s recommendations about vaccinations can help prevent diseases that cause a cough.

For people aged 19 years and over, these include the annual flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.

Following the immunization schedule for infants and children can help protect them from diseases such as whooping cough.

What to know about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Various health conditions can cause a nighttime cough. They include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), a postnatal drip, and asthma.

A doctor may carry out tests to identify an underlying cause and treat it appropriately.

Seeking treatment and following the treatment plan for these conditions can help manage them and address a cough.

20. Seek treatment for GERD

GERD is a digestive disorder that causes regurgitation and heartburn. It happens when a sphincter (valve) in the esophagus becomes weak.

It can lead to throat irritation and coughing, especially at night when lying down.

A doctor may recommend:

• eating smaller meals more often and not eating from 3 hours before bedtime
• raising the head of the bed at night
• avoiding substances that trigger symptoms, such as chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco

A doctor may also prescribe medications to manage symptoms.

21. LPR and postnasal drip

A common cause of a postnasal drip is LPR, sometimes called silent reflux. This is similar to GERD but does not cause heartburn. Instead, it can cause a postnasal drip, a cough, and a feeling like there is a lump in the throat.

People with LPR should:

• avoid trigger foods, such as spicy and fatty foods, chocolate, and alcohol
• avoid eating for 3 hours before bedtime
• sleep with the head of the bed raised

Polyps and other conditions can also cause a nighttime cough due to a postnasal drip.

22. Manage asthma

Using an air purifier and avoiding allergens can help manage asthma, but asthma is a potentially life threatening condition that needs medical attention.

Medication for asthma comes in different forms, such as pills and inhalers.

Some inhalers contain medications to open the airways, which may ease coughing and make breathing easier. Some are for regular, long-term use, and others provide rapid relief.

What are the treatments for asthma?

A cough can happen at any time, but some types of cough seem worse at night.

People with the following conditions may find their cough worsens at night or when they lie down:

• GERD
• postnatal drip
• chronic bronchitis
• bronchiectasis
• heart failure
• asthma

Other causes of a cough include:

• allergies
• respiratory tract infections such as a cold, the flu, COVID-19, and tuberculosis (TB)
• cystic fibrosis
• hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis
• breathing in lung irritants, including tobacco smoke, some chemicals, and air pollution
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis
• post-infectious cough, which lingers after another illness, such as the flu or COVID-19
• the use of various drugs, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, beta-blockers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), methotrexate, amiodarone, and others

Sometimes, a cough needs urgent medical attention, such as with a pulmonary embolism or pneumothorax (collapsed lung). Both can cause a dry cough and make breathing difficult.

A person should see a doctor if they have a cough and any of the following symptoms:

• a fever
• a persistent cough
• coughing up blood
• wheezing
• chest pain
• trouble breathing
• any severe or worsening symptoms

It is always a good idea to seek medical help if a person has a cough or other symptoms that are causing concern.

The outlook will depend on the cause.

Quitting smoking may improve a cough after a few weeks. Some conditions, such as GERD, should improve with treatment, but a cough that occurs with asthma may be present throughout a person’s life.

A cough from a cold or the flu usually goes away after 3–4 weeks. A post-infectious cough usually lasts 3–8 weeks, but it can last longer. A cough that persists after COVID-19 may last several months.

A nighttime cough can be distressing. If it causes sleep loss, it can affect a person’s mental and physical health.

Seeking help for a nighttime cough and following up on treatment for an underlying disorder can help improve the outlook.

Here are some answers to questions people often ask about stopping a cough.

What causes a nighttime cough?

There are many causes of a cough, and some are worse at night, including asthma and postnasal drip. Carpets, soft furnishings, bedding, and soft toys are common in bedrooms and all act as dust traps, which increases the risk. Lying flat in bed can also cause mucus to collect in the airway, making coughing more likely.

How can I stop it?

Many strategies may help stop a nighttime cough. They include hydrating the room, removing dust, keeping windows closed to keep out pollution and allergens, salt water nasal irrigation, herbal remedies, and prescription and OTC cough suppressants. Often, however, the most important action is to avoid smoking and address any underlying health conditions.

A cough can develop for many reasons. Some go away within a few days, while others persist or come and go throughout a person’s life. At night, some types of cough become worse.

Raising the head of the bed can help resolve some types of nighttime cough. Other tips depend on the cause. With GERD, LPR, and other causes of a postnasal drip, avoiding eating close to bedtime may help. Keeping a room clear of dust may help those with asthma and other allergies.

Anyone with a persistent nighttime cough should speak with a doctor, as there may be an underlying cause that needs addressing.

Read the article in Spanish.

22 tips and remedies, plus causes

Coughing can occur at night for various reasons. When it does, it can affect a person’s ability to sleep and get enough rest. But there are ways to relieve a nighttime cough, such as using a humidifier or herbal preparations.

A troublesome cough during the day may seem worse at night, and some coughs worsen when a person lies down. However, various strategies can help a person get a better night’s sleep with a cough.

These strategies include:

• using a humidifier
• reducing exposure to allergens
• managing acid reflux, asthma, and other underlying conditions
• drinking honey and lemon
• using medications, including herbal preparations
• salt water gargle or saline irrigation
• raising the head
• quitting smoking or avoiding tobacco smoke

In this article, learn about 22 ways to reduce or ease nighttime coughing. Inlcuding managing the environment, using medications, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies.

Here are some tips that focus on managing the air people breathe, both in the bedroom and during the day.

1. Try to quit smoking

Exposure to tobacco smoke is the most common environmental cause of chronic cough.

Quitting smoking also lowers the risk of a cough as well GERD, asthma, and other causes of a nighttime cough. A person should see an improvement after 8 weeks of quitting.

A doctor can advise on effective ways to quit and how to use aids such as nicotine patches, gum, and medication.

2. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke

According to the American Cancer Society, people who do not smoke but spend time in smoky areas are also at risk of a cough, asthma, various lung diseases, and cancers.

Asking others not to smoke and avoiding smoky areas may help reduce irritation and inflammation.

If a person finds it hard to quit, they can still help protect their household by:

• avoiding smoking indoors
• making the car a smoke-free zone
• avoiding places when out with the family or other household members

How does secondhand smoke affect people with asthma?

3. Try a humidifier

Dry air can irritate the throat and sinuses and make a cough worse. Air conditioning and cooling fans in the summer and heating systems in the winter can make the environment dry.

Using a humidifier at night can add moisture to the air while a person sleeps. This may help soothe the throat and prevent coughing. It is best to use distilled or demineralized water, as tap water can leave particles when it evaporates.

However, too much moisture can contribute to mold growth. Mold can be an allergen and cause more coughing.

A humidity level of about 40–50% is suitable for a bedroom, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.

4. Manage allergens

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a generally harmless substance. Indoor allergens include mold, pet dander, and dust. They can lead to sneezing, stuffiness, and coughing.

Some ways to decrease allergy-related coughing in the bedroom are:

• using an asthma and allergy-friendly vacuum cleaner once or twice weekly to remove dust
• putting an allergy cover on the mattress
• showering before bed to remove outdoor allergens, such as pollen
• keeping pets out of the bedroom

5. Reducing dust

Dust in the bedroom can make symptoms worse at night.

Here are some tips for reducing dust and dust mites, another common allergen:

• avoiding wall-to-wall carpets, soft furniture, stuffed toys, and other items that collect dust
• washing bedding in hot water once a week
• ventilating the space
• preventing damp, as mold increases dust

What is a dust mite allergy?

6.

Keep windows closed

Depending on where a person lives, keeping the windows closed may help reduce allergic reactions and coughing at night.

Keeping the windows closed may help eliminate dust, air pollution, and pollen from the sleeping area.

7. Use an air filter

Air filters and air purifiers can help remove particles from the air.

Research from 2020 looked at the effect of using air filters in the bedroom for 6 weeks on people with allergic rhinitis.

Results suggested that an air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter can significantly lower both the concentration of particles in the air and the need for medication in people with this condition.

How do you choose a good air purifier?

8. Raise the head of the bed

Coughing often worsens at night because a person is lying flat in bed. Mucus can pool in the back of the throat and cause coughing.

Sleeping with the head elevated can reduce the symptoms of postnasal drip and GERD. Both can cause coughing at night.

One study suggests that raising the head of the bed may be a safe alternative to using GERD medications, although more studies are needed.

A person can prop up the head of their bed using:

• an adjustable bed
• additional pillows
• blocks under the legs of the bed
• a back wedge

A change in sleep position can allow mucus to flow without causing coughing.

There are many herbal and natural remedies for a cough. Always check first with a doctor, as there is not enough scientific research to confirm that many natural remedies are effective and safe, and they may interact with other therapies.

Remedies such as essential oils and honey will not cure an underlying condition. A person with a severe cough will need medical treatment, too.

Learn about 12 natural cough remedies.

9. Drink lemon with honey

Drinking lemon with honey before bed may help soothe the throat and reduce irritation. According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service, it has a similar effect to cough medicines.

Honey is not suitable for children under 12 months due to the risk of botulism, a form of food poisoning.

10. Ivy leaf

Some cough mixtures contain natural expectorants, such as the extract of ivy leaf (Hedera helix).

A 2020 study involving 118 people concluded that using ivy leaf cough syrup for 7 days improved symptoms of acute bronchitis and various cough-associated sleep disorders. It may be a safe and effective therapy for both children and adults.

Ivy leaf appears to loosen and thin mucus in the same way as acetylcysteine, another treatment for managing mucus, but with fewer side effects.

11. Thyme and primrose

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is an herb with antispasmodic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. The active ingredient in thyme is thymol.

Primrose (Primula officinalis) also has similar properties and is also an expectorant, helping the body expel mucus.

In 2016, researchers found that a medication containing primrose, thyme, and thymol effectively reduced cough in people with respiratory tract infections.

12. Essential oils

Essential oils may help reduce cough and other symptoms of bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and other upper respiratory tract infections.

Oils of the following plants have shown promise in reducing cough:

• anise
• bitter fennel fruit
• eucalyptus
• peppermint

Add a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint to water and use for inhalation.

Always check first with a doctor, as essential oils may not be safe for everyone. It is also crucial to follow the instructions for each oil and to use them correctly. Always keep them out of reach of children and pets.

What is aromatherapy?

Although research suggests that essential oils may have some health benefits, it is important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor or regulate the purity or quality of these. A person should talk with a healthcare professional before using essential oils, and they should be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. A person should always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.

13. Gargle with warm salt water before bed

Many people use a saltwater gargle to ease a sore or irritated throat. There is some evidence that it may help prevent or manage infections by flushing out unwanted particles and pathogens from the throat.

In 2021, some scientists concluded that using a saltwater gargle may help manage COVID-19, but more studies are needed.

To make a saltwater gargle, a person can mix a teaspoon of salt in about 6 ounces of warm water and gargle a few times before bed. A person should spit out the saltwater after gargling.

14. Use a saline nasal spray

A doctor may recommend a saline or steroid nasal spray to irrigate the nasal passages and the upper airway. A saline spray contains a specially prepared solution of salt and water.

A saline nasal spray may help:

• flush out particles in the nasal passages
• remove mucus and pathogens from the back of the throat
• manage chronic inflammatory conditions, such as sino-rhinitis
• prevent upper respiratory tract infections

According to a 2015 review, there is not enough evidence to prove that irrigating with a saline solution is effective. However, some trials have shown it can reduce nasal secretions, improve nasal breathing, and lower the need for medications.

Research from 2017 looked at data for 45 people with a dust mite allergy who used normal saline nasal-pharyngeal irrigation for 30 days. At the end of the study period, they reported better relief from their cough with normal saline compared with nasal corticosteroids.

15. NetiKriya

This is a yoga-based treatment and one of the six cleansing techniques, or Shatkarmas, of Hatha yoga.

Similar to saltwater gargle or saline irrigation, the practice of Jala Neti uses a neti pot, a small pot filled with lukewarm saltwater with a spout for inserting the water into the nose.

In NetiKriya, a person takes the water into one side of the nose and then blows it back out through the other side of the nose.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests the following technique for using a neti pot:

1. Leaning over a sink, tilt the head sideways so that the forehead and chin are level.
2. Insert the spout into the upper nostril while breathing through the mouth.
3. Allow the water to drain down through the lower nostril.
4. Clear the nostrils and repeat on the other side.

It is an ancient practice that may help manage rhinosinusitis, a common cause of a cough.

The use of neti pots may not be safe for everyone, and people should check first with a doctor before using one. Always use purified water, as there is a risk of infection with tap water.

The FDA also urges people to ensure their hands and all equipment are clean.

NetiKriya is not suitable for those susceptible to ear infections.

How does a sinus flush work?

Cough medications are available over the counter (OTC) or as a prescription. Prescription drugs are stronger.

These products may have side effects and interact with other drugs. A person should discuss their choices with a doctor or pharmacist first. It is also essential to choose the right sort for the person’s age and the type of cough they have.

Some formulations are especially for nighttime coughs and contain ingredients that help a person sleep, such as Tylenol cold plus flu plus cough night.

16. Cough suppressants

Cough suppressants block the cough reflex. They are available as OTC or prescription drugs. Some prescription cough suppressants contain codeine and are unsuitable for children aged 17 and under.

Which drugs help with a dry cough?

17. Expectorants

Expectorants include products such as guaifenesin (Mucinex). They thin the mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up. By helping cough the mucus up, an expectorant may shorten how long a cough lasts.

They can help treat upper respiratory tract infections and chronic respiratory diseases, including COPD.

18. Use a steroid nasal spray

A steroid spray, such as fluticasone propionate (Flonase), contains corticosteroid medications. These help reduce inflammation, and doctors sometimes prescribe them for people with nonallergic rhinitis. A steroid spray may also help manage a postnasal drip.

However, corticosteroid use can have adverse effects, including a possible worsening of asthma symptoms. It is essential to follow a doctor’s instructions when using a steroid spray.

19. Vaccinations

Following a doctor’s recommendations about vaccinations can help prevent diseases that cause a cough.

For people aged 19 years and over, these include the annual flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.

Following the immunization schedule for infants and children can help protect them from diseases such as whooping cough.

What to know about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Various health conditions can cause a nighttime cough. They include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), a postnatal drip, and asthma.

A doctor may carry out tests to identify an underlying cause and treat it appropriately.

Seeking treatment and following the treatment plan for these conditions can help manage them and address a cough.

20. Seek treatment for GERD

GERD is a digestive disorder that causes regurgitation and heartburn. It happens when a sphincter (valve) in the esophagus becomes weak.

It can lead to throat irritation and coughing, especially at night when lying down.

A doctor may recommend:

• eating smaller meals more often and not eating from 3 hours before bedtime
• raising the head of the bed at night
• avoiding substances that trigger symptoms, such as chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco

A doctor may also prescribe medications to manage symptoms.

21. LPR and postnasal drip

A common cause of a postnasal drip is LPR, sometimes called silent reflux. This is similar to GERD but does not cause heartburn. Instead, it can cause a postnasal drip, a cough, and a feeling like there is a lump in the throat.

People with LPR should:

• avoid trigger foods, such as spicy and fatty foods, chocolate, and alcohol
• avoid eating for 3 hours before bedtime
• sleep with the head of the bed raised

Polyps and other conditions can also cause a nighttime cough due to a postnasal drip.

22. Manage asthma

Using an air purifier and avoiding allergens can help manage asthma, but asthma is a potentially life threatening condition that needs medical attention.

Medication for asthma comes in different forms, such as pills and inhalers.

Some inhalers contain medications to open the airways, which may ease coughing and make breathing easier. Some are for regular, long-term use, and others provide rapid relief.

What are the treatments for asthma?

A cough can happen at any time, but some types of cough seem worse at night.

People with the following conditions may find their cough worsens at night or when they lie down:

• GERD
• postnatal drip
• chronic bronchitis
• bronchiectasis
• heart failure
• asthma

Other causes of a cough include:

• allergies
• respiratory tract infections such as a cold, the flu, COVID-19, and tuberculosis (TB)
• cystic fibrosis
• hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis
• breathing in lung irritants, including tobacco smoke, some chemicals, and air pollution
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis
• post-infectious cough, which lingers after another illness, such as the flu or COVID-19
• the use of various drugs, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, beta-blockers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), methotrexate, amiodarone, and others

Sometimes, a cough needs urgent medical attention, such as with a pulmonary embolism or pneumothorax (collapsed lung). Both can cause a dry cough and make breathing difficult.

A person should see a doctor if they have a cough and any of the following symptoms:

• a fever
• a persistent cough
• coughing up blood
• wheezing
• chest pain
• trouble breathing
• any severe or worsening symptoms

It is always a good idea to seek medical help if a person has a cough or other symptoms that are causing concern.

The outlook will depend on the cause.

Quitting smoking may improve a cough after a few weeks. Some conditions, such as GERD, should improve with treatment, but a cough that occurs with asthma may be present throughout a person’s life.

A cough from a cold or the flu usually goes away after 3–4 weeks. A post-infectious cough usually lasts 3–8 weeks, but it can last longer. A cough that persists after COVID-19 may last several months.

A nighttime cough can be distressing. If it causes sleep loss, it can affect a person’s mental and physical health.

Seeking help for a nighttime cough and following up on treatment for an underlying disorder can help improve the outlook.

Here are some answers to questions people often ask about stopping a cough.

What causes a nighttime cough?

There are many causes of a cough, and some are worse at night, including asthma and postnasal drip. Carpets, soft furnishings, bedding, and soft toys are common in bedrooms and all act as dust traps, which increases the risk. Lying flat in bed can also cause mucus to collect in the airway, making coughing more likely.

How can I stop it?

Many strategies may help stop a nighttime cough. They include hydrating the room, removing dust, keeping windows closed to keep out pollution and allergens, salt water nasal irrigation, herbal remedies, and prescription and OTC cough suppressants. Often, however, the most important action is to avoid smoking and address any underlying health conditions.

A cough can develop for many reasons. Some go away within a few days, while others persist or come and go throughout a person’s life. At night, some types of cough become worse.

Raising the head of the bed can help resolve some types of nighttime cough. Other tips depend on the cause. With GERD, LPR, and other causes of a postnasal drip, avoiding eating close to bedtime may help. Keeping a room clear of dust may help those with asthma and other allergies.

Anyone with a persistent nighttime cough should speak with a doctor, as there may be an underlying cause that needs addressing.

Read the article in Spanish.

Why does a child often wake up at night – what to do

Sleep is necessary for the growth and development of the child’s body, brain maturation and physical recovery. The alternation of sleep and wakefulness depends on circadian rhythms and is regulated by environmental and hormonal factors. Many parents complain about the frequent nighttime awakenings of the baby. Let’s figure out why this is happening.

How long should an infant sleep?

Newborns can sleep almost around the clock, taking breaks only for feeding. The older the child gets, the less he needs sleep.

The duration of sleep in infants depending on age

The main causes of poor sleep in children

If the child does not sleep well, wakes up crying at night and cannot fall asleep on his own, then the reasons for this condition may be as follows:

• Hunger

• The child is not accustomed to falling asleep without association with sleep (pacifier, bottle, motion sickness or rolling in a stroller)

• Overwork associated with high energy expenditure per day

• lack of sleep

• Natural stages of development (teething, standing up)

• Poor sleep hygiene (bright lights, noise, uncomfortable room temperature, uncomfortable or wet clothes)

• Medical problems (allergies, sleep apnea, colic, infections, etc. )

How to set up a baby’s daily routine

If the child often wakes up at night, it is important to properly organize his daily routine. Putting to bed, walking, feeding, bathing are recommended to be carried out at the same time. If you follow the regime every day, then the child’s brain will quickly remember when to sleep and when to be awake.

To normalize the sleep of the baby, follow the following rules:

1. Make sure that the lighting is bright during the day, and muffled closer to the night. So the child will get used to the fact that the dark time of the day is intended for relaxation. AGU Sunny smart lamp will help create such conditions in the apartment. The device will provide easy awakening and timely going to bed.

2. Before going to bed, exclude noisy games, watching TV.

3. Observe bedtime rituals (bathing, feeding, storytelling or lullaby).

4. Create comfortable conditions for sleep (optimal indoor climate, comfortable clothing).

What is false croup and how to help a child at the time of an attack

Probably most parents have experienced this: the child wakes up in the middle of the night and cannot breathe, cries, coughs and wheezes terribly. The ambulance states: false croup. The good news is kids outgrow this. The news is not great: you will have to wait until about school. Pulmonologist Vasily Shtabnitsky tells what parents should prepare for.

What is false croup

False croup (or stenosing laryngotracheitis) is not a disease or a diagnosis, but a condition that can accompany an acute respiratory viral infection. With it, the larynx and tissues next to it narrow, which leads to spasm of the airways, shortness of breath, barking cough.

Usually the debut of false croup occurs at the age of 1–1.5 years. After that, it periodically returns until the child is 6-7 years old. This is due to the peculiarities of the structure of the respiratory tract in young children: their larynx is much narrower, and this increases the likelihood of spasm in the inflammatory process in the pharynx.

“False” croup is called because there is also a true, or diphtheria, croup – a condition with similar symptoms that occurs exclusively with diphtheria (vaccination against this disease is included in the national vaccination schedule).

False croup always appears at night or in the early morning. The child usually wakes up, tries to cough for a long time and unsuccessfully, cannot take a deep breath.

Symptoms of false croup include:

• unproductive cough without accumulation of sputum;
• dry barking cough;
• signs of difficulty breathing: the wings of the nose swell, the jugular cavity and intercostal spaces sink;
• the child breathes quickly and superficially;
• hoarse voice, it can also disappear altogether;
• wheezing can be heard even from the next room;
• the child is very worried.

False croup is often confused with asthma attacks because the symptoms are very similar. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a specialist. In any case, false croup is an acute, urgent condition that requires an ambulance call and, if left untreated, can lead to suffocation.

Why it happens

Old pediatric textbooks identified a phenotype, or a certain constitution, that revealed a child’s tendency to episodes of false croup. But this information is long outdated.

Now experts believe that it is impossible to single out a group of those who are more or less predisposed to false croup. By definition, every preschooler has it, because children at this age have a loose and edema-prone larynx with a more pronounced mucous layer.

An infection caused by SARS can provoke the appearance of a false croup. Since most respiratory viruses cause inflammation of the larynx and affect the upper respiratory tract, any SARS can lead to an attack of false croup. Stress, acclimatization and any other problems do not cause false croup.

Photo: shutterstock / FotoHelin

How to help a child

False croup is an acute condition that requires an ambulance. Pre-hospital care that parents can provide to a child consists of fairly simple steps. First of all, you need to transfer the child to a vertical position – for example, put him on his knees. Give him a drink, try to calm him down.

Oddly enough, but often distracting, soothing therapy gives very good results – often with the help of these actions it is possible to stop the attack even before the doctors arrive.

Also, during an attack of false croup, you should:

• warm the child;
• give him a breath of warm moist air. For example, by turning on hot water in the bathroom so that steam fills the room;
• as an option, you can give the child a breath of cold air. Someone helps, for example, the air from the freezer;
• place the child’s feet in a bath of warm water;
• ventilate the room;
• inhalation therapy with special drugs that suppress inflammation, as agreed with the attending physician.

Is it necessary to go to the hospital?

Most often, an attack of false croup can be stopped at home. If doctors (even with first aid) observe signs of impaired gas exchange and severe respiratory failure, then it makes sense to place the child for therapy in a hospital. And the main task of the ambulance here is to see these signs and ensure the safe transportation of the child under the supervision of the medical staff.

To reduce the risk of seizures, parents should vaccinate their child against all possible infections, including Haemophilus influenzae and pneumococcal, because their pathogens can also cause inflammation in the throat. It is also recommended to vaccinate your child against influenza every year. At the same time, unfortunately, there are no vaccinations against most respiratory viruses, so cardinal prevention of false croup is impossible.

Sooner or later, the false croup goes away: the child develops physically, his larynx also grows, and the tendency to severe swelling and spasms decreases with age.