When it comes to sleep disorders, there’s nothing more serious than this. horrible night cough.
If your cough keeps you up at night, you’re probably irritable, tired, and wondering how to stop it.
Dr. Daniel Landau, a South Carolina board-certified physician and Mesothelioma Center contributor, suffers from persistent nighttime coughs himself.
Ask your doctor: “When should I worry about my cough?”
He told Fox News Digital some common reasons for the symptoms.
Causes of night cough
Experts say a variety of factors contribute to nighttime coughing.
According to experts, nighttime coughs can be caused by various factors. As one person told FOX News Digital, “Sometimes the problem is as simple as gravity.” (St. Petersburg)
“In some cases, the problem is as simple as gravity,” Landau says. “When we sit upright, we tend to build up material in our stomachs. When we lie down, acid can travel up the esophagus.”
The acid can then irritate the vocal cords and larynx, causing coughing.
“Sometimes it’s just something as simple as sleeping a little more upright or getting some sleep. drugs that block acid We can help with this,” Landua said.
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Postnasal drip is also more likely to occur at night.
“During the day, when you sit and bend over, most of the IV moves forward,” the doctor explained.
“However, when I lie down, water drips down my throat, which can cause me to cough during the night.”
Doctors noted that certain types of asthma can cause coughing at night. (St. Petersburg)
There is also. a type of asthmaLandua said this is known as cough asthma, and it tends to occur more often at night.
“Diagnosis can be difficult, but asthma treatment can be helpful,” he said.
Colds and allergies can also cause nighttime coughs.
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Although less common, nighttime coughing can be an early sign of certain types of cancer, especially those involving the lungs and head and neck, Landua noted.
“We don’t want people to think that a nighttime cough means they have cancer, but under the right circumstances this may be something to consider,” he told Fox News Digital.
Although less common, a nighttime cough can be an early sign of certain types of cancer, especially those involving the lungs or head and neck. (St. Petersburg)
Another cancer that can be caused by persistent coughing is mesothelioma. It affects the tissues lining the lungs, stomach, heart, and other organs.
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“People with known exposure to asbestos are much more likely to develop mesothelioma than those without,” he said.
“Persistent cough in people who have had this type of exposure should be considered.”
Treatment and prevention of nighttime cough
Staying hydrated is key to preventing coughs because it helps keep your airways moist and loosens mucus, says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, chief medical advisor in Sleepopolis, California.
Moisturizing the air with a humidifier or taking a steamy shower can loosen mucus and soothe the airways, the doctor added.
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“Additional pillows can also support your body and elevate your head to prevent postnasal drip and acid reflux,” says Dasgupta.
He noted that honey can also help prevent coughs and soothe sore throats.
”Over-the-counter drugs Antihistamines and cough suppressants can help relieve symptoms, but if your cough is severe, it’s important to consult your doctor,” Dr. Dasgupta advised.
Doctors advise that if your nighttime cough lasts for more than three weeks, or is accompanied by other worrying symptoms such as fever, chest pain or difficulty breathing, you should always contact your doctor for personalized advice. did. (St. Petersburg)
To prevent coughs in the first place, he suggested paying attention to things that can cause coughs, such as pet dander and rabbit dust.
“Replenish hydration, create a good sleep environment, manage allergies,” he added.
When should you see a doctor?
If your nighttime cough persists for more than three weeks, or is accompanied by other worrying symptoms such as fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, “be sure to contact your doctor for personalized advice,” Dasgupta says. To tell.
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“don’t forget Periodic inspection Talk to your doctor to make sure there aren’t other problems going on that could be causing your bothersome nighttime cough. ”
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