What should you know about laryngitis cough at night?

Inflamed vocal folds are sensitive to coughing, dry air and repeated throat clearing. When you lie down, mucus from a blocked or irritated nose may drain towards the throat, and reflux may be more noticeable after an evening meal. A common cold can combine several of these effects. The cough may be dry or bring up mucus, and hoarseness can be more noticeable after repeated coughing. Nighttime cough does not establish one diagnosis; its pattern, triggers and associated symptoms help a clinician work out what is happening.

Drink water during the evening and keep a drink nearby. Avoid shouting, whispering and repeated throat clearing. Use a clean humidifier if the bedroom air is dry, and address nasal blockage with advice from a pharmacist or clinician. If reflux may be involved, avoid lying down immediately after eating and ask about suitable treatment. Do not give honey to infants, and check cough medicines carefully for age restrictions, interactions and ingredients. A quiet, smoke-free bedroom can reduce additional irritation.

Contact a GP Consultation service if the cough repeatedly disrupts sleep, lasts beyond the expected illness, or occurs with persistent hoarseness, fever or chest symptoms. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, blue lips, coughing blood, severe chest pain, inability to swallow saliva or rapidly worsening swelling. Children, older adults and people with lung disease may need earlier advice when nighttime cough changes suddenly.

Could nasal drainage, reflux, asthma or infection be contributing to my nighttime cough? Which measures or medicines are suitable for me? What changes should prompt urgent care?