With the change of seasons, people often encounter coughs that worsen at night when they lie down in bed. Such a cough can disrupt sleep and cause morning fatigue. Specialists have explained why this happens and how to deal with this problem.
Dr. Ajit, an associate professor at Rajiv Gandhi Hospital, noted that nighttime coughing is observed in some people, including children. There are several reasons for this phenomenon.
One of the causes is the accumulation of excess mucus in the nose during a cold, allergy, or sinusitis. This process is called postnasal drip. When a person lies down, this mucus begins to drain or accumulate in the back of the throat, causing irritation, tickling, and frequent coughing.
Another possible cause is the entry of stomach acid into the throat. This condition is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). With GERD, acid from the stomach can flow back into the esophagus, and lying down can aggravate this problem, causing coughing due to throat irritation.
Dr. Ajit emphasized that in most cases, the cough goes away on its own within three to five days. However, if symptoms persist and nighttime problems worsen, it is necessary to consult a doctor. He also advised against taking expectorant syrups independently. In the initial stage, measures such as steam inhalation, wearing a mask when going outside, and avoiding contact with dust and dirt are recommended.
