Wake up every night coughing: How to Stop, Coughing at Night, and More

15.09.202323.06.2023 by alexxlab

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How to Stop, Coughing at Night, and More

Coughing is the body’s way of ridding the lungs and airways of invaders, explains Liana Casusi, MD and consultant for Oh So Spotless. “It’s a reflux reaction caused by irritants like dust, smoke, pollution, or mucus, entering the body,” she says.

Wet cough vs. dry cough
Medically speaking, Casusi says that there is no certain way to pinpoint the cause of a cough just by describing it as dry or wet.
“Also known as a productive cough, a wet cough brings out mucus, while a dry cough or nonproductive cough doesn’t,” she says. “Both types of cough can be caused by infections, structural lung disease, or airway inflammation from irritants.”

Coughs can also result from viral or bacterial respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, whooping cough, and croup.

These infections can cause inflammation that increases and thickens the natural mucus in the body. This extra mucus leads to coughing.

Asthma and allergies can also cause coughing due to inflammation, she says.

Other common causes include:

taking certain medications
heart failure
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
lower or upper respiratory infections
lung disease
damage to vocal cords
sleep apnea

People who smoke have a higher risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD can cause coughing due to the destruction of lung tissue.

What causes a dry cough at night?

Coughing is a natural mechanism the body uses to remove unwanted substances in the airways. Stopping a cough when it happens will not provide a long-term solution. The main thing is to address the underlying cause.

Below are 20 tips on addressing the underlying cause of coughs.

1. Avoid allergens

Avoiding allergens like dust and pollen can help prevent coughing in people with allergies and sensitivities.

If you’re not sure whether you have an allergy, you might consider consulting with a healthcare professional like an allergist or trying out an at-home allergy test.

What is a hay fever cough like?

2. Rid your home of dust

Keeping your home clear of common allergens like dust, dust mites, and pollen can help lower the risk of coughing.

Tips to help keep irritants at bay include:

vacuuming regularly
washing curtains and linen frequently
swapping carpeting and rugs for solid floors
getting blinds instead of curtains

3. Use air filters to allergy-proof your bedroom

A HEPA air filter can help mite-proof your bedroom.

Other strategies include:

using allergy covers for pillowcases, duvets, mattresses, and box springs to help reduce and prevent dust mites
washing bedding in hot water once per week
keeping pets out of the bedroom

4. Manage asthma

Asthma causes airways to become narrow and inflamed. A dry cough is a common symptom of asthma.

If your cough feels dry and you sometimes have a hard time breathing, consult with a doctor or another healthcare professional. You may need a prescription inhaler to treat asthma.

5. Shut windows

This can help lower the chance of coughing when pollen counts are high or when there’s a lot of dust blowing around.

6. Avoid polluted areas when possible

Exposure to pollution is a common trigger for coughing.

According to the World Bank Group, over 90 percent of the global population is exposed to polluted air every year, so avoiding polluted areas altogether will be tricky.

But if you have a persistent cough, consider checking the Air Quality Index at AirNow.gov to see if you need to take extra care.

How can you improve your air quality at home?

7. Tackle GERD

GERD is a chronic cause of acid reflux and nighttime coughing.

Tips for managing the symptoms of GERD include:

seeing a doctor about medications
following medical advice a healthcare professional provides
keeping a food diary to help identify foods that make symptoms worse

What are some natural remedies for GERD and acid reflux?

8.

Incline your bed

Lying down makes it easier for stomach acid to flow back into your esophagus. So it’s best to wait at least 2.5 hours after eating to lie flat. It may help to raise the head of your bed 6–8 inches.

People with GERD aren’t the only ones who can benefit from sleeping at an incline. Raising the head at night can help manage many types of cough.

It’s easier for irritants to make their way to your throat to trigger coughing when you’re lying down.

Ways of doing this include using wedge pillows or investing in an adjustable mattress or bed.

9. Exterminate cockroaches

The saliva, feces, and body parts of cockroaches can cause coughing and other allergy symptoms.

Prevent cockroaches in your home by:

keeping food containers sealed so they’re unattractive to cockroaches
removing piles of newspapers and magazines that attract dust and give cockroaches places to hide
hiring an exterminator to eliminate an infestation

What is a cockroach allergy?

10.

Use a humidifier

Dry, warm air can dry out your throat and airways and make you more prone to coughing fits. Many people notice their cough worsens around the time they turn their heat on in the winter.

Running a humidifier that produces a cool mist can help keep the air in your bedroom and throat moist.

11. Seek treatment for a sinus infection

Sinus infections can cause postnasal drip, especially when lying down. This can tickle the back of your throat and lead to coughing.

Prescription antibiotics can help clear up a sinus infection and stop both the drip and the cough.

12. Use a neti pot

A neti pot is helpful in washing out the nasal passages, which can help relieve congestion. But be sure to follow the instructions carefully, as incorrect use may increase the risk of infections.

Learn how to use a neti pot safely.

13. Eat honey

“Ingesting 2 to 3 teaspoons of honey before bedtime may help loosen mucus in your throat,” says Casusi.

Another option is to mix 2 teaspoons of honey into a caffeine-free tea, such as herbal tea.

However, never give honey to children younger than 1 year due to the risk of botulism.

Can you use honey for a sore throat?

14. Sip lemon juice

Lemon juice has anti-inflammatory properties. Mixing a little in water might help relieve a cough, as long as you do not have GERD, according to Casusi.

Alternatively, combine several helpful ingredients in a tasty hot drink with lemon juice, ginger, warm water, and honey.

15. Try pineapple

A 2016 study suggests that bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, can help thin out mucus and reduce coughing.

Try eating pineapple or drinking pineapple juice.

16. Gargle salt water

Gargling with a saltwater solution can help clear out airway congestion and help stop coughs due to asthma, allergies, and infections.

To make a saltwater gargle, mix a half teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of warm water.

17. Take decongestants for a cold

The common cold can cause coughing.

There’s no cure for a cold, but rest and plenty of fluids can help you feel better.

If your cough is severe and you are an adult or a child older than 6 years, decongestant sprays and cough medications may help.

What are some cold and flu home remedies?

18. Try an over-the-counter medication

Over-the-counter (OTC) cough remedies can deal with coughing in several ways. Cough suppressants lessen the urge to cough, while expectorants thin mucus and make it easier to cough up.

Ask a pharmacist to help you choose a medication that suits your cough.

Learn about cough suppressants and other medications for coughs and colds.

19. Get your shots

Vaccines to prevent flu and COVID-19 can help prevent these viral infections, both of which can cause coughing.

20. Avoid tobacco smoke

A chronic cough is a common side effect of long-term smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.

Quitting smoking or asking smokers to smoke outside can improve your cough and your overall health.

Talk with a healthcare professional if you smoke and need help to quit.

Most coughing does ease up in time, but severe and persistent nighttime coughing can be a sign of a serious condition, such as:

heart failure
bronchitis
pneumonia
COPD
lung cancer

A severe or persistent cough needs medical attention.

You should also get medical help if you have a cough and:

a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or above
shortness of breath
choking
swelling in your legs, ankles, or abdomen
wheezing
chest pain
increasing amounts of phlegm
blood in phlegm or coughing up blood

Other tips about getting medical help include:

seeing a doctor if you have a persistent cough that does not go away or gets worse
seeking help if a cough disrupts your sleep, daily life, and overall well-being
following any treatment plan as the doctor recommends
completing any course of antibiotics for a bacterial infection, even if your symptoms improve
going back to the doctor if any medications seem to make the cough worse

Many of the same things that cause a daytime cough can also cause a nighttime cough.

But a cough may worsen at night due to your sleeping position, the quality of bedroom air, and exposure to lint, dust, pollen, and mites from bedding.

Whatever the cause, various home remedies and lifestyle measures can help relieve a nighttime cough, such as:

using pillows to raise your head
inclining your mattress
investing in a humidifier
washing bedding and vacuuming floors frequently
keeping windows shut at times of high pollen or air pollution

If they don’t help, you may need to take OTC medication or seek medical help for prescription cough medication or for an underlying condition.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, check out our FindCare tool here.

Are At-Home Allergy Tests Worth It?

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At-home test kits

Most at-home allergy tests use a small blood sample. When you order a kit, you’ll receive everything you need to take the sample.

After pricking your finger with the included lancet, you’ll squeeze a few drops of blood onto the collection card provided before mailing it back to the test company. Kits include detailed directions and all the materials you need.

After you send in your sample or have your blood drawn, it will be tested at a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified lab. This certification indicates that the lab has met standards for state and federal certification and is regularly inspected to ensure compliance. Tests are also reviewed and approved by board certified physicians.

Companies that provide these at-home allergy tests should also be compliant with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), so you can be sure your test results are securely stored.

An allergist’s test

When you visit an allergist to diagnose an allergy, you’ll go over your medical history and any symptoms you’ve been experiencing.

You can expect to answer questions about your environment, lifestyle, and any history of allergies both personally or in your family.

Though a detailed discussion of allergic reactions with an allergist is the first step in identifying food allergies, skin and blood testing can also be helpful to clarify and confirm suspected food allergies. These tests offer a more personalized, in-depth view than at-home tests.

Allergists use several different types of analyses. Typically, these include skin prick testing or an IgE blood test.

Skin prick tests can identify various potential allergens, including airborne, contact, and food-based. There are three kinds:

scratch
intradermal
patch

An allergist may also test you for any type of allergy by exposing you to a small amount of a particular allergen and recording your body’s reaction.

Blood tests are performed in the event you may have a serious allergic reaction to a skin test, or if you’re unable to perform a skin test. A blood sample is taken and tested in a lab for the presence of antibodies.

Skin testing is typically used to clarify which environmental allergens (pollens, dust mite, animals, or molds) may be triggering your symptoms. Blood testing for immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies can also similarly identify which environmental allergens are a problem for you.

IgE is usually present in small amounts in the blood, but elevated levels can be a sign that the body is overreacting to specific allergens.

In both cases, your allergist will be able to explain your results and next steps.

One thing to keep in mind: Before going into your appointment, you may also be asked to stop certain medications, including antihistamines, some heartburn medications, and others, which could interfere with your test results.

The type of allergy symptoms you are experiencing — and the type of allergens you and your doctor are concerned about — will help determine which type of tests are appropriate for you. Allergens can be classified into three groups:

Inhaled allergens come into the body via the lungs or the membranes in the throat or nostrils. Pollen is a good example.
Ingested allergens are those found in foods such as seafood, soy, or peanuts.
Contact allergens produce a reaction through direct contact with the skin. For example, poison ivy can trigger an allergic reaction in the form of an itchy rash. Similarly, some products like creams, soaps, or even jewelry could also trigger this reaction, even if you’ve used a product for years.

More about ingested allergens

If you’re concerned that food could be triggering your symptoms, your doctor may order a skin test and blood test for IgE antibodies. These tests can help determine what kinds of allergies are causing severe, immediate reactions, like hives, vomiting, or breathing problems.

However, if you experience food-related allergy symptoms that are not this severe or immediate, these tests are unlikely to pick up on the foods that are causing your symptoms. These tests also tend to be overly sensitive to food allergies, meaning that the tests may pick up more food allergens than are relevant to you. That’s why it’s important to work with a doctor to determine which foods should be tested, and whether testing will be helpful for you.

There’s a difference between being allergic to a food and being intolerant to it. True food allergies trigger the immune system, which causes your body to react.

With a food intolerance, which is more common than a food allergy, your body’s digestive system is triggered. Food intolerances are caused by the body’s inability to properly process a food.

While food intolerances aren’t typically dangerous, certain food allergic reactions may require immediate medical treatment.

The body will react differently to a food allergy than it will to a food intolerance. Symptoms of a food allergy can include:

hives
swelling
itching
dizziness
vomiting
rash
difficulty breathing
anaphylaxis

Allergy tests (skin tests and IgE blood tests) can often help clarify which foods may be causing these types of symptoms. There are some types of food allergies (where the immune system triggers the food reaction) that manifest with more nonspecific types of symptoms, such as delayed vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or stomach aches.

Symptoms of a food intolerance can include:

gas
bloating
cramping
diarrhea
constipation
nausea

For these types of symptoms, skin tests and IgE blood tests may not help figure out what’s causing your symptoms. There are some tests that may help clarify food triggers, but these are specific to the type of food intolerance suspected.

In other words, doing a panel of food tests is unlikely to help determine the food triggers. For example, breath tests can be useful for suspected lactose intolerance. An allergist can help you figure out which tests would be most beneficial for you.

Finally, there are certain types of food allergies and intolerances where the diagnosis is based on symptoms and dietary history alone. In these cases, the diagnosis is only confirmed by avoiding the food for short periods (1-2 weeks), followed by adding the food back to diet. Which, if any, trial food eliminations may be necessary should be discussed with a physician.

Common culprits

The most common food allergies include:

milk
eggs
fish
shellfish
peanuts
tree nuts
wheat
soybeans
sesame

Common food intolerances include:

dairy
gluten
caffeine

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It’s important to understand that none of the food intolerances listed above can be diagnosed with an at-home intolerance test. If you suspect that dairy, gluten, or caffeine may be triggering symptoms, an at-home test won’t be able to diagnose it. Even worse, you may end up with misleading results.

Some at-home allergy tests claim to be able to diagnose food sensitivities through the food immunoglobulin G (IgG) test. This test shows results for typically 90 to 100 foods that you may be intolerant to, and recommend removing these foods from your diet to improve multiple symptoms. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (AAAI) states that these tests have never been scientifically proven to be able to accomplish what it reports to do.

IgE panel testing for foods is controversial. It’s rarely recommended by allergy societies, especially when done without a proper and thorough medical history of the patient. In those cases, it’s common that 50% to 90% of IgE results without a proper reading can be incorrectly identified.

There are advantages and drawbacks to completing an IgE allergy blood test at home.

Pros

convenient

Cons

IgE testing to foods may diagnose food allergies or intolerances you don’t have because of the high risk of false positives
both IgE and IgG testing may miss relevant allergies and intolerances
food IgE and IgG tests can’t diagnose common intolerances like lactose or FODMAP, nor can they detect potentially serious food-induced conditions like celiac disease
high price point
some tests still involve a visit to a lab
tests are not regulated
don’t provide treatment plans for potential intolerances or allergies

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An at-home allergy test may be worth the money if you’re testing for environmental allergens. In that case, “at-home IgE testing can be helpful in identifying relevant allergens,” said Healthline medical reviewer Elizabeth Feuille, MD.

But when it comes to suspected food allergies, the answer is short and sweet: No. That’s because:

Indiscriminate food allergy testing using panel testing is rarely useful

“The testing is not a measure of how allergic you are to a food,” said Feuille. “It is simply a measure of how much allergy antibody you produce to a food.”

Since it’s common for people to make allergy antibodies to a food without actually having a true allergy, you may end up with results that show you’re allergic when you actually tolerate them without symptoms or consequences.

IgE-mediated food allergy tests only evaluate IgE-mediated allergies

This kind of allergy is associated with symptoms like hives, vomiting, and breathing problems. “If you suspect you may have any other type of food allergy or food intolerance (for example, celiac disease or lactose intolerance, among many other types of food-induced syndromes), this testing will not identify foods that are causing your symptoms,” said Feuille

Food allergy panel testing can actually cause significant harm

Parents may mistakenly assume that they need to eliminate culprit foods from a child’s diet based on indiscriminate food panel testing.

“In some cases, this can result in significant dietary limitations and malnutrition,” said Feuille. “At-home food panels should never be used to guide an elimination diet for a child.”

The same is true for adults, who can also develop nutrition issues from excessive dietary limitations. But the risk is greater for children, who are vulnerable to malnutrition.

Something else to keep in mind: Studies have shown that avoiding certain foods, like peanuts or eggs, in children who make allergy antibodies to these foods can actually significantly increase the risk of developing a true allergy to these foods. In other words, the effort of eliminating a suspected allergen actually creates the allergy.

A severe allergic reaction may cause these symptoms:

abdominal cramping or pain
diarrhea
nausea or vomiting
pain or tightness in the chest
difficulty swallowing
difficulty breathing
wheezing
fear or anxiety
heart palpitations
flushing of the face
swelling of the face, eyes, or tongue
dizziness or vertigo
weakness
unconsciousness

If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor right away.

If your symptoms are mild but persistent, you may want to visit a specialist. For example, a dermatologist may be the best option if your reaction is affecting your skin.

An allergist is a good choice if your symptoms include nasal congestion or ongoing sinus infections, or if you notice allergy symptoms during certain times of the year. Allergists also manage skin conditions like rashes and hives that occur due to allergic reactions.

If you aren’t sure where to begin, visit your primary care physician for an initial diagnosis.

Still interested?

If you are still interested in taking an at-home allergy test, check out the product information below, and make sure to check with an allergist when you receive your results so you don’t misinterpret them.

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Best overall

Everlywell Indoor & Outdoor Allergy Test

Price: $199
Test type: environmental
Sample type: finger prick
Results in: several days to several weeks
Pros: easy to use, wide range of allergens tested, good reviews
Cons: unspecified timeframe for results, and some reviewers report it took several weeks

Everlywell’s Indoor & Outdoor Allergy Test measures IgE reactivity to 40 common allergens. It’s a good option if you need help narrowing potential causes of ongoing symptoms, like an itchy throat, watery eyes, postnasal drip, sneezing, rashes, and headaches.

Test results report your IgE reactivity from very low to very high, along with advice about next steps. The kit comes with all the materials needed for the pinprick sample collection, detailed directions, and customer service if you need help.

Lab results come from CLIA-certified labs and are physician reviewed. The test has an overall 4.5-star rating on Everlywell’s site.

NOTE: Healthline chose this test from Everlywell because — compared with other products that emphasize testing on immunoglobulins that have no relevance to allergies — Everlywell tests IgEs. The blood sample that is collected, along with ELISA technology, allows this at-home test to pick up antibody levels. However, the gold standard for the best personalized results for allergies is to visit a certified allergist.

Use code “HEALTHLINE25” for 25% off.

Shop now at Everlywell

Comes with an allergist consultation

Cleared Indoor & Outdoor Allergy Tests

Price: $199
Test type: environmental
Sample type: finger prick
Results in: 5 business days after the lab receives your sample
Pros: easy to use, tests for 40 common allergens, includes free allergist consultation with results
Cons: not covered by insurance, no reviews

Like Everlywell, Cleared’s indoor and outdoor allergy tests use a finger prick sample to test for 40 common allergy triggers. The results from this test could shed light on potential environmental allergies, if you’re experiencing symptoms like watery eyes, sneezing, rashes, or an itchy, stuff nose.

The CLIA certified allergy test kit includes all the supplies you need to take a blood sample, including a prepaid shipping envelope to send back to a lab for testing. Results are typically available 5 business days after the lab receives your sample.

Included with the test is a free allergist consultation, so you can receive recommendations on prescription treatment options.

Are at-home allergy tests accurate?

The analysis you’ll get from an at-home allergy test won’t be as thorough or complete as what you would get from a doctor or allergist.

While at-home allergy tests may offer some insight into environmental allergens, they’re not a good option for suspected food allergies. That’s because indiscriminate food allergy testing rarely provides useful information.

What’s more, IgE-mediated food allergy tests only test for IgE-mediated allergies, so they won’t identify other types of food allergies or intolerances, such as celiac disease or lactose intolerance.

Finally, keep in mind that results from both IgE and IgG testing can be inaccurate or misleading. Your best option for a suspected allergy is to speak with a qualified healthcare professional.

Does insurance cover at-home allergy tests?

In most cases, insurance will not cover the cost of at-home allergy tests. At this time, that’s the case for the at-home allergy test we recommend.

What is the most accurate way to test for allergies?

A visit to your doctor or allergist is the most accurate way to test for allergies. That’s because your healthcare practitioner will offer a more thorough approach to testing, including asking about your symptoms and performing a physical exam. Based on these assessments, your doctor can decide which test is appropriate. That could be a skin prick test or blood test.

Like the at-home allergy test, a doctor’s blood test will look for the presence of IgE antibodies.

A skin test can be performed with a referral to an allergist. This test is performed by pricking or scratching the skin with small needles to document your skin’s reaction to potential allergens.

Can you test negative for allergies and still have them?

Yes. Since many tests look for the most common kinds of allergens, it’s possible to have an allergy to something that doesn’t show up on a blood test.

Keep in mind that IgE testing can only identify IgE-mediated allergies, and there are a number of food-induced conditions that fall outside that scope. At this time, IgE tests do not diagnose or exclude any condition and are really only a measure of exposure to a specific food.

What does a positive allergy test look like?

It depends on the test. At-home allergy test results are designed to be easy to interpret and typically indicate your reactivity to various allergens, using a color or number scale.

It’s a good idea to speak with an allergist about your results, especially if you have questions about next steps.

Many healthcare professionals consider at-home allergy tests unreliable. The worst-case scenario is interpreting the results on your own and then taking steps to address an allergy that may not be warranted.

In the best case, an at-home allergy test that’s specific to environmental allergies could provide information that may be useful in highlighting how your body reacts to certain allergens. But at-home allergy tests aren’t a good choice if you suspect food allergies or intolerances.

It’s always best to consult a healthcare professional about allergies, and that’s still true if you decide that an at-home allergy test is your best option.

Ask a doctor for advice on any tests you may be considering, and discuss results with a board certified allergist.

Severe nocturnal cough, causes of cough at night in an adult

Modern methods for diagnosing the cause of nocturnal cough

Since coughing at night can be a symptom of serious illness, do not delay visiting a general practitioner. After examination, auscultation of the lungs and a survey, the specialist prescribes additional diagnostic methods.

Basic methods for diagnosing nocturnal cough
Diagnostic method	Time
General urine analysis	5 minutes
Complete blood count	10 minutes
ECG	30 minutes
Chest x-ray	10 minutes
Sputum examination	20 minutes

Which doctor should I contact?

If you have a bad cough at night, you should see a doctor in the following specialty: