Frequent nighttime coughing is not solely due to cold air or an irritated throat. When lying down, airway constriction and mucus accumulation can exacerbate certain respiratory conditions.

According to Master of Science, Doctor Dang Thanh Do, from the Respiratory Department at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, several respiratory conditions can be linked to nighttime coughs. These require medical examination for proper treatment, rather than self-medicating with cough suppressants.

Asthma

Not everyone with asthma experiences shortness of breath or wheezing. Some individuals may have cough variant asthma, where prolonged or recurrent coughing is the primary symptom. Asthma-related coughs often worsen at night due to multiple contributing factors. During sleep, physiological changes can increase inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. Additionally, cold air, dust, smoke, pet dander, or other allergens in the bedroom can trigger symptoms in susceptible individuals.

People with persistent nighttime coughs accompanied by shortness of breath should seek medical attention. Photo: Duong Anh

Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis occurs when the bronchial walls are damaged and abnormally widened, allowing mucus to accumulate easily in the airways. Persistent coughing, excessive phlegm production, and recurrent respiratory infections are common manifestations. For some patients, symptoms may become more pronounced at night. When lying down, secretions can pool, stimulating the cough reflex. During exacerbations, patients may experience increased coughing with phlegm and worsening shortness of breath, including at night.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

For some individuals with COPD, coughing can become more bothersome at night, disrupting sleep. Airway secretions, especially in those with increased phlegm production, contribute to stimulating the cough reflex. If nighttime coughs occur more frequently than usual or are accompanied by increased phlegm, changes in its color or quantity, patients should pay attention. These could signal disease progression or another co-existing respiratory issue.

Respiratory tract infections

Respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or post-flu infections can cause persistent coughs. At night, the supine position can make it harder to clear respiratory secretions, thereby stimulating the cough.

Doctor Do stated that not all nighttime coughs following an infection should be automatically attributed to the flu. If coughing is persistent, recurrent, or accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, abnormal phlegm, or coughing up blood, patients need to be examined to determine the cause.

Minh Duong