Bronchitis and night cough

When you lie down, mucus may pool and drain towards the throat, provoking cough. Dry air, mouth breathing and airway sensitivity after an infection can add to the irritation. A cough can remain after other bronchitis symptoms improve because the airways are still reactive.

Night cough is not specific to bronchitis. Acid reflux, allergic rhinitis, asthma, bronchiolitis, bronchiectasis and chronic cough can produce a similar pattern. A common cold may also cause post-nasal drainage. The duration, triggers, breathing symptoms and examination help separate these causes.

Drink enough during the day, keep smoke away from your sleeping area and raise your upper body if lying flat worsens drainage or reflux. Saline nasal care may help congestion if suitable for you. Warm fluids can soothe an irritated throat; avoid anything that reliably triggers reflux before bed.

Use cough medicines only as directed and check with a pharmacist if you take other medicines, are pregnant or care for a child. Honey may soothe cough in adults and older children, but never give honey to a baby under one year.

Get urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, or chest pain that is severe or persistent. Arrange a clinical review when night cough repeatedly disrupts sleep, lasts beyond the expected illness, comes with wheezing, coughing blood, fever that returns, or steadily worsening breathlessness.

Ask whether your night cough fits acute bronchitis or points to reflux, asthma, allergy or another airway condition. Share when it occurs, whether lying down or meals trigger it, any wheeze or mucus, your smoking exposure and every medicine you use.