Barking cough at night: what to know

Lying down can allow mucus to collect at the back of the throat, and a dry bedroom may irritate already sensitive airways. Acid reflux can also trigger coughing when someone is reclined. A common cold, allergic rhinitis, acute bronchitis, bronchiolitis, asthma, or chronic cough may each produce a different pattern. Night-time worsening does not identify one cause by itself.

Listen for a harsh cough and any noisy breathing between coughs. Note whether symptoms start after lying down, after exposure to dust or fragrance, or with exercise during the day. Keep a record to share with a clinician if the pattern continues.

Keep the person upright and offer small sips of fluid if they can swallow normally. Keep the room free from smoke, incense, sprays, and strong fragrances. Calm reassurance can reduce the cycle of crying and coughing. Do not use very hot steam, and do not give honey to a child who is too young for it.

Use prescribed medicines exactly as directed. Arrange medical advice if episodes keep waking the person, follow meals or lying down, or occur with fever or reduced activity.

Get emergency help for struggling to breathe, blue or grey lips, pauses in breathing, severe drowsiness, inability to swallow, drooling with noisy breathing, or rapid deterioration. A child whose ribs or neck pull in with each breath needs urgent assessment.

Seek prompt clinical advice for a new repeated night cough, chest pain, dehydration, coughing blood, or symptoms that do not settle. Babies and people with asthma or other lung disease should have a lower threshold for advice.

Ask whether reflux, allergy, asthma, infection, or another airway issue fits the timing; what to do during the next episode; and which breathing changes mean emergency care.