However, when a cough persists, it can be disruptive to sleep and affect a person's overall quality of life. This makes it important to understand the causes of coughing and the various treatment options available to help patients get the relief they need.

CAUSES OF NIGHT-TIME COUGHING

There are several reasons why coughing can be worse at night. Some of the most common causes include:

• Postnasal Drip: When excess mucus from the nose and sinuses drips down the back of the throat, it can trigger a cough. This is often worse at night when lying down, as gravity causes the mucus to pool in the throat.
• Asthma: People with asthma often experience coughing as a symptom of their condition. Asthma symptoms tend to be worse at night and can also be triggered by irritants in the bedroom, such as dust mites or pet dander.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Acid reflux can cause a persistent cough, particularly at night when lying down. This is because stomach acid can flow into the esophagus and irritate the throat.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A chronic lung condition, COPD can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. People with COPD often experience worse symptoms at night.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

The treatment of night-time coughing will depend on the underlying cause. Various OTC treatments cab be recommended to help relieve coughing and improve sleep.

• Antihistamines: For coughs caused by postnasal drip, antihistamines can help dry up excess mucus and reduce the frequency of coughing. Examples of OTC antihistamines include diphenhydramine and loratadine.
• Decongestants: Decongestants can help reduce congestion and mucus production, which can alleviate coughing caused by postnasal drip. Examples of OTC decongestants include pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine.
• Acid Reducers: For coughs caused by GERD, acid reducers can help reduce stomach acid and alleviate symptoms. Examples of OTC acid reducers include ranitidine and omeprazole.
• Cough Suppressants: Cough suppressants can help reduce the urge to cough, particularly at night. Examples of OTC cough suppressants include dextromethorphan and codeine.
• Inhalers: For coughs caused by asthma or COPD, inhalers can help open the airways and reduce inflammation. As these require a prescription, it’s important to refer patients to their healthcare provider.
• Front shop treatments: There are also several front shop treatment options that contain natural ingredients that can help to treat coughs. Examples of natural ingredients include honey, thyme herb extract, and marshmallow dry root extract which coat the inflamed pharyngeal mucosa, forming a physical protective coating against foreign particles, thus relieving irritation associated with dry or chesty coughs, allowing the mucosa to recover.

It is important to note that some coughs may require medical attention beyond OTC treatments. If a cough persists for more than a few weeks, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, patients should be referred to their healthcare provider.