Nighttime cough: what to know

When you lie down, mucus from allergic rhinitis can drain towards the throat and trigger coughing. Acid reflux may irritate the throat, especially after a late meal. Asthma can cause night cough with wheezing or chest tightness, while a common cold or acute bronchitis may produce a cough that changes over several days. A cough lasting a long time may need assessment for chronic cough, bronchiectasis, or another airway problem. The cough itself does not identify one condition.

Drink fluids, avoid smoke and strong fragrances, and consider a humidified room if dry air irritates your throat. If nasal congestion is present, ask a pharmacist about suitable measures. Leave time between an evening meal and lying down if reflux seems connected, and raise your upper body rather than sleeping completely flat. Do not give cough or cold medicines to a child without checking the age guidance and a pharmacist or doctor. Record duration, phlegm, fever, wheeze, triggers, and sleep disruption.

Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, confusion, faintness, coughing blood, or chest pain. Arrange medical review for a cough that is worsening, keeps returning at night, follows a significant illness, or comes with persistent fever, unexplained weight loss, or night sweats. Children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease may need earlier advice.

Ask whether the timing suggests reflux, allergic rhinitis, asthma, infection, or another cause, and whether you need an examination or testing. Mention medicines, smoking or vaping exposure, phlegm colour, wheezing, fever, and how the cough affects sleep.