Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Severe Cough Occurring Preferentially In The Supine Body Position?
Question: Hello, I have a question, every night I fall asleep and just as I've nodded off, I get a cough and my eyes stream, it is a sharp cough and at times tickly. I have not been unwell and nor am I unwell. I am not on any medication and fit and well otherwise.
Brief Answer:
Might be due to gastro-esophageal reflux,Post-nasal drip,Allergy
Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for posting your query on health care magic.
Gastro-esophageal reflux,Post-nasal drip and Allergy are the most common causes of cough in a supine position.
Gastro-esophageal reflux-Acid in the stomach might reflux upwards and irritate your airways leading to cough.In such cases you might have other symptoms like Burning pain in your throat or chest,Fullness in your stomach,Indigestion,etc.If you are suffering from such symptoms,then it would be advisable to take Antacid( like Rantac) along with few life-style measures like Avoid spicy,oily and citrus food,Drink lots of water,Avoid taking heavy dinner,Keep a gap of minimum 2-3 hours between taking food and sleeping.
Post-nasal Drip-due to cold-it might irritate the airways leading to cough.In such a case ,you might be suffering from other symptoms like Discharge from nose,Nasal blockage ,etc.If you are suffering from such symptoms,then you may take Oral decongestant(like Phenylephrine) if you are not hypertensive,Nasal decongestant drop like containing Xylometazoline and Oral Antihistamininc like Cetrizine.Also do steam inhalation,Avoid cold food and dust.Drink lots of warm fluids as they help in breakage of mucus secretions collected due to cold.
Allergy might be a cause for cough in supine position.Allergy might be due to house-dust,pollen,certain medicines,etc.In such a case ,take Antihistamine like Cetrizine.Keep your bedding clean.Avoid known Allergens.
A variant of asthma known as night asthma may occur in supine position.It is associated with other symptoms like difficulty in breathing and wheezing sound from your airways.
Few other serious conditions might cause cough in supine position like Congestive heart disease,Edema/infection in lungs.
If you suffer from symptoms like high grade fever,wheezing sound in your airway,Severe breathing problem,Chest pain,etc then it would be advisable to consult a physician doctor.He/she might do Chest ausculation and a chest X ray to find out the cause.
Hope this answers your question.I would be happy to answer if you have any follow-up questions.Take care.
Might be due to gastro-esophageal reflux,Post-nasal drip,Allergy
Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for posting your query on health care magic.
Gastro-esophageal reflux,Post-nasal drip and Allergy are the most common causes of cough in a supine position.
Gastro-esophageal reflux-Acid in the stomach might reflux upwards and irritate your airways leading to cough.In such cases you might have other symptoms like Burning pain in your throat or chest,Fullness in your stomach,Indigestion,etc.If you are suffering from such symptoms,then it would be advisable to take Antacid( like Rantac) along with few life-style measures like Avoid spicy,oily and citrus food,Drink lots of water,Avoid taking heavy dinner,Keep a gap of minimum 2-3 hours between taking food and sleeping.
Post-nasal Drip-due to cold-it might irritate the airways leading to cough.In such a case ,you might be suffering from other symptoms like Discharge from nose,Nasal blockage ,etc.If you are suffering from such symptoms,then you may take Oral decongestant(like Phenylephrine) if you are not hypertensive,Nasal decongestant drop like containing Xylometazoline and Oral Antihistamininc like Cetrizine.Also do steam inhalation,Avoid cold food and dust.Drink lots of warm fluids as they help in breakage of mucus secretions collected due to cold.
Allergy might be a cause for cough in supine position.Allergy might be due to house-dust,pollen,certain medicines,etc.In such a case ,take Antihistamine like Cetrizine.Keep your bedding clean.Avoid known Allergens.
A variant of asthma known as night asthma may occur in supine position.It is associated with other symptoms like difficulty in breathing and wheezing sound from your airways.
Few other serious conditions might cause cough in supine position like Congestive heart disease,Edema/infection in lungs.
If you suffer from symptoms like high grade fever,wheezing sound in your airway,Severe breathing problem,Chest pain,etc then it would be advisable to consult a physician doctor.He/she might do Chest ausculation and a chest X ray to find out the cause.
Hope this answers your question.I would be happy to answer if you have any follow-up questions.Take care.
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
