![]() Ī persistent cough that may worsen at night is a less common sign of heart failure. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)īronchitis and emphysema left untreated can cause nocturnal coughing.This can then cause the muscle in the wall of the airways to contract and make the tubes narrower, causing inflammation and tightness, wheezing or coughing. If you have asthma you have ‘sensitive’ airways that are inflamed and ready to react when they come into contact with something they don't like. Nocturnal coughing may be the only symptom in certain asthmatic patients. If you're worried, make an appointment with your doctor. A persistent nighttime cough could be caused by one of the following chronic conditions. We all get coughs from time to time, but a cough that lasts longer than three weeks could be a sign of something more serious. Whooping cough symptoms, treatment and vaccination Discuss potential side-effects with your pharmacist or GP. ✔️ Decongestantsĭecongestants such as pseudoephedrine may not always be recommended for more acute sinus conditions as they can dry and harden secretions excessively and cause long term problems. Some people find a nasal saline wash helpful with congestion but you might also find it unpleasant so proceed with caution. Some medicines contain antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and promethazine which help dry up nasal secretions that drip down the back of the throat and also aid sleep. Do not give to children under six and only give to older children under strict medical guidelines. This is because of interactions with other medication or if you have other medical (especially breathing) conditions which may mean these medicines could have dangerous side effects. These should only be used with care after discussion with your doctor. ✔️ Cough suppressantĪ cough suppressant will work by stopping dry irritative coughs and examples include pholcodine or dextromethorphan. A chesty cough or one associated with a cold will usually respond well to an expectorant (eg Guanifenesin). ✔️ Cough expectorantsĬough medicines can be expectorants (break up or thin mucus) or cough supressants (stop coughing). Simple paracetamol or ibuprofen can help if there are no contraindications. While coughs do tend to get better without treatment, there are a number of over-the-counter products available from the chemist which may help, but always discuss with your pharmacist or doctor first: ✔️ Paracetamol or ibuprofen ❗ Honey should never be given to babies under one and used with caution with very young children due to its potential to occasionally cause botulism. This could partly be due to its viscosity and ability to coat an inflamed throat. It has natural antimicrobial properties and studies have shown it to be effective at soothing cold and flu symptoms. Lemon was historically thought to ease congestion but new evidence has found that honey holds the key to breathing easy. ⚠️ Avoid excess caffeine, alcohol or sugar, which can all impact dehydration levels and further exacerbate your cough. Some studies have also shown that ginger tea has anti-inflammatory properties which may help to ease a sore throat. Warm fluids are soothing, can ease congestion and prevent dehydration. Sip warm, decaffeinated drinks before bedtime and keep a glass of water on your bedside table so you can instantly ease your cough throughout the night. You might also be losing more moisture from your airways if you are mainly breathing through your mouth. When you're unwell, it's essential to stay hydrated throughout the day and the night, as sipping water will help soothe the cough reflex and relieve a sore throat.
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