When it comes to getting over a cough , there are a few relatively simple steps you can take. Health experts suggest a regimen of fluids, medications if needed, and lots of rest. But getting the rest you need to feel better is easier said than done if your cough is keeping you up all night. Rest is one of the most important ways your body fights off infections, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Ironically, getting enough rest can also be the hardest thing to accomplish. Just when you need sleep the most, your cough symptoms get worse, leading to a night of tossing and turning. If you fall into that category, it's even more important that you resolve your night cough and get a good night's rest. Why do coughs get worse at night? There are a number of reasons why they do — or at least why they seem to. When the mucus drips into the throat, it can trigger a cough. Although this cough is often productive, it can sometimes also be dry.
Postnasal drip often occurs with a sinus infection or due to a nasal allergy, such as hay fever. Treatment options for postnasal drip include decongestants, nasal sprays, and nasal saline irrigation. Upper respiratory infections, such as common colds and the flu , can cause acute coughing. The cough often starts out productive but may become dry as a person recovers from the infections.
A person can usually treat viral upper respiratory infections at home with plenty of rest, staying properly hydrated, and taking OTC medications to relieve aches and fever. A doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication for people with the flu.
A chronic, dry cough can sometimes be a symptom of lung cancer. However, other causes of dry cough are far more common. Treatment depends on the type and stage of the lung cancer. Treatment options can include surgery, chemotherapy , and radiation therapy.
They will then perform a physical examination. Treating the underlying cause is usually the best way to reduce the severity and frequency of a dry cough. People with dry coughs that get worse, do not go away, or cause one to start producing blood or green mucus should see a doctor. It is also advisable for a person to see a doctor if a dry cough occurs along with any of the following symptoms:.
A dry cough is one that does not produce phlegm or mucus. Dry coughs are often temporary and rarely a cause for concern. However, a chronic, dry cough may be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as asthma or GERD. Treating the underlying cause is the best way of reducing the severity and frequency of chronic coughs, but OTC remedies may also help relieve symptoms. Read the article in Spanish. What is hypoxemia? Read on to learn more about this term, such as the different types, how it differs from hypoxia, and treatment options.
Molekule air purifiers remove airborne mold, pollutants, and allergens to improve air quality. Learn about the different Molekule air purifiers here. There are a number of reasons why a child may have a dry cough.
In addition, post-nasal drip is often caused by allergies. Many patients have allergies to pets, pollen, ragweed and dust, and daily behaviors can irritate these allergies, causing post-nasal drip and coughing at night.
What are these behaviors and how can you change them? If you have acid reflux, you might be guilty of grabbing late-night drinks with friends and hitting the hay as soon as you get home, which triggers coughing fits. Instead of immediately going to bed, give your stomach some time to digest. People with animal allergies are often guilty of sleeping in bed with their furry friend.
While it may be difficult, you might benefit from purchasing a dog bed and making sure your pet sleeps separately. For patients with outdoor allergies such as pollen or ragweed, I recommend sleeping with the windows closed to prevent irritation and post-nasal drip. Are there other small steps you can take to avoid coughing? A simple measure is to prop yourself up with a pillow before you go to sleep.
Small changes can go a long way in dodging nighttime coughing. They can harbor mold and spray moldy water into the air. For people with mold allergies, this worsens the problem and is harmful to your health.
What about cough medicine? The reality is that most over-the-counter and prescription medications numb the cough reflex rather than treat the true cause of the cough.
While lung disease is treated by prescription medications, these cases are rare. Remember that coughing is a protective reflex: your upper airway protects you from choking, and your lungs help you eject unwanted substances. When is it time to see a doctor?
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