Barking cough worse at night

When someone lies down, mucus can collect at the back of the throat and trigger coughing. Bedroom air may also feel dry, while quiet surroundings make each cough seem louder. Reflux can irritate the throat after an evening meal, and asthma symptoms may vary overnight. A cold, Acute Bronchitis or another airway irritation can produce a harsh cough at any hour. The nighttime pattern is useful information, but it does not identify the cause alone.

Keep the person calm and seated upright during a coughing spell. Offer water when swallowing is easy, and keep the room free from smoke, incense, sprays and strong fragrances. Follow any existing asthma or allergy plan; do not repeat doses or add medicines unless the label or a clinician supports it. Avoid giving honey to a child under one year, and avoid hot steam because of burn risk. Keep a note of bedtime, meals, position, triggers and associated breathing sounds for the appointment.

Seek emergency help if the person struggles to breathe, cannot speak or drink, becomes blue or grey, is difficult to wake, or has a harsh sound while breathing in at rest. Obtain same-day advice when episodes keep returning, become more intense, follow choking, or occur with chest tightness or significant wheeze. A cough that continues over time or repeatedly wakes someone should be assessed.

Ask whether position, reflux, nasal drainage or asthma could be contributing, and whether the bedroom environment or medication schedule should change. Clarify the exact nighttime signs that require emergency help.