Bad cough at night: what to know

Lying down can allow nasal mucus to irritate the throat, as in a common cold or allergic rhinitis. Acid reflux may also reach the throat after an evening meal and trigger coughing. Acute bronchitis can leave inflamed airways sensitive for a while after an infection.

Asthma often causes cough or chest tightness at night or in the early morning. Bronchiolitis affects babies and can make breathing and feeding harder. A cough that lasts beyond an expected infection or brings up regular phlegm may need assessment for chronic cough or bronchiectasis.

Keep the sleeping area free from smoke, incense, strong fragrance and known allergy triggers. Saline nasal drops may help loosen mucus before bed. If reflux seems possible, avoid lying down soon after eating and ask a pharmacist or clinician about suitable treatment rather than starting repeated remedies without advice.

Keep prescribed inhalers available and use them according to your written plan. Warm fluids can soothe the throat; honey is suitable for people over one year but not infants. Do not give cough medicines to a child without checking the label or pharmacist.

Get emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, confusion, collapse, choking, or inability to speak in full sentences. For a baby, urgent signs include laboured breathing, pauses in breathing, poor feeding or unusual drowsiness.

Arrange a medical review if night cough repeatedly wakes you, is accompanied by wheezing or chest pain, follows choking, or persists despite recovery from a cold. Mention any weight change, reflux symptoms, allergies, smoking exposure or need for repeated inhaler use.

Ask whether the timing suggests asthma, reflux, nasal drainage or infection, and whether you need examination or breathing tests. Record bedtime, meals, sleep position, triggers, mucus, wheeze and the treatments you have already tried.