Morning Cough: When It’s Normal and When to See a Doctor

Everyone knows mucus buildup and an itchy throat can strike you anytime and anywhere. However, coughing fits frequently occur first thing in the morning. They can also happen for several reasons.

If it occurs regularly, it may indicate an underlying issue, even though it might be a typical response to an irritant in your respiratory system, like allergies or post-nasal drip.

The body uses coughing as a natural defense to rid the respiratory system of mucus, bacteria, and foreign objects. Phlegm and other irritants can accumulate in your throat and lungs while you sleep at night. The mucus starts to disintegrate when the body awakens and gets active, which may cause a coughing fit.

During sleep, natural reflexes like the coughing urge become less active. This article covers the common reasons for a morning cough, how to treat it, and when to see a doctor.

Read More: 15 Home Remedies To Stop Coughing At Night – Get Some Sleep In

Common Normal Causes of Morning Cough

If you experience a chronic cough every morning, it is likely not a serious medical issue. Most often, it is your body’s natural reaction to irritation from benign stimuli while you are sleeping. Here are the leading causes of a persistent morning cough.:

Post-Nasal Drip / Congestion: When there is an excess of mucus in your nose, your body seeks to expel it, but if that mucus is draining down the back of your throat, it may precipitate an upper airway cough. Though the exact physiologic reason for post-nasal drip varies, the most common source of morning cough and potential post-nasal drip will be a consequence of an upper airway illness, such as allergies, the flu, or a common cold.

Allergies: When exposed to allergens like pollen or pet dander, your body responds by releasing histamine. Histamine can irritate your airways and cause an excess build-up of mucus, which can generally lead to a cough. First thing in the morning, you may have a heightened reaction, especially if you slept with your mouth open. A single night of mucus buildup can lead to more coughing in the morning.

Acid reflux: Sometimes, when you’re lying down, the acid in your stomach creates an environment whereby acid leaks into the esophagus and irritates the lining of the throat, which can lead to a cough. Food can also contribute to a vape if you have acid reflux. Identified food triggers typically include chocolate, caffeine, or alcohol, but can also come from cigarettes, weight gain, or food consumption.

See a doctor to find out if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a related condition if you regularly have a morning cough along with other symptoms, including heartburn, trouble swallowing, and chest pain.

Dry Mouth: If you don’t drink enough water, sleep in a dry room, or nap with your mouth open, your mouth and throat may go dry at night. Waking up with a sore, burning throat and a raspy voice is a fairly common experience.

When Morning Cough Could Signal a Problem

There are many reasons for morning coughs, and not all of them need immediate concern. However, an ongoing morning cough could indicate an underlying disease that would require medical attention. There are many causes of early morning coughs, underlying diseases that can lead to coughing, including:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): The common link between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is chronic lung inflammation that causes narrowing of the airways to make breathing difficult. The cough and associated production of yellowish mucus are typically worse in the early morning hours. Early morning cough is an important symptom to manage for COPD.

Bronchitis:  Bronchitis can be referred to as inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the passages that carry air into the lungs. Coughing and mucus production are symptoms of bronchitis. Activity in the morning often moves the phlegm and fluids that have accumulated in the lungs overnight.

As a result, it is more likely to cough and have a productive cough in the morning. The etiquette of morning cough can stem from bronchitis, particularly for those who smoke.

Smoking: A morning cough is familiar to those who smoke. The cilia are microscopic hairs in the lungs that cause the lungs to flutter to clear the lungs of any accumulated chemicals or poisons after the person gains a chronic and solid addiction, and has not smoked cigarettes for hours throughout the night. The cilia initiate the cough during the day. One of the best ways to reduce morning coughs and support healthier lungs is to stop smoking.

A Cough with Mucus or Phlegm: If you have a cough that persistently produces mucus, that could be a red flag. Yellow or green mucus typically indicates a respiratory issue, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, requiring antibiotics or other medical intervention.

Read More: How to Treat a Dry Cough with Ayurvedic Medicines

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Tips

While a morning cough, in and of itself, is not usually a cause for concern – especially if it has gone away – it is worth monitoring for a couple of days to help you decide if you need any medical management for it. Lifestyle changes can be the first step for certain diseases.

• Make lighter meal choices and eat your last meal at least two hours before bed. It can reduce the likelihood of acid reflux during sleep. Over time, this minor adjustment in your eating habits might help your morning cough.
• Clear clutter and tidy up your space. Dust and dust mites on your bed and around the room may worsen your nighttime cough. Additionally, it can make your underlying asthma worse.
• Sipping warm tea with honey and lemon is a go-to remedy for a reason. “It’s helpful for many respiratory illnesses when combined with other treatments,” says  Syed Hussain, MD, medical director of Hartford HealthCare Urgent Care. “Plus, it’s great for easing throat scratchiness.”
• Think about installing a humidifier in your space. It reduces the risk of drying out your respiratory pathways and helps add moisture to the air.
• Lying flat can exacerbate postnasal drip or GERD and cause coughing fits at night. “Elevating your head— about 30 degrees — can help,” says Dr. Hussain. “Use an extra pillow or wedge to get some rest.”

If someone around you has a cold or cough, you should avoid them. We can decrease the chances of spreading respiratory illnesses as we approach a pandemic by using masks and keeping our hands clean.

It would be crucial to consult your healthcare practitioner if you have a persistent morning cough. Over-the-counter drugs such as cough syrup or antihistamines can frequently lessen your morning cough. Sucking on a lozenge can also provide some relief.

Read More: Treat Common Cough and Cold at Home

When to See a Doctor Immediately

Although they might be annoying, coughs rarely need medical attention. However, it’s a good idea to discuss potential causes with a healthcare professional if your morning cough doesn’t go away after two or three weeks. Additionally, it’s critical to get medical attention if you experience any of the following cough symptoms:

• Greenish-yellow phlegm
• Wheezing
• A fever
• Breathlessness and excessive exhaustion
• Unaccounted-for weight loss

Seeking emergency medical attention is a brilliant idea if you experience any of the following symptoms. They could be an indication of a dangerous illness.

• Throwing up
• Coughing up pink-tinted phlegm or blood
• Breathing difficulties and choking
• Pain in the chest
• Swallowing difficulties

Read More: 5 Natural Home Remedies To Prevent Cough

Conclusion

A morning cough can frequently be an enigmatic and bothersome addition to a daily routine. Seasons, foods, and exposures to the outside world can all cause it to change. Keeping a close eye on your cough, noting its changes throughout the day, and observing any symptoms is essential for comprehending and determining a diagnosis for a morning cough.

When you take care of yourself and make minor lifestyle adjustments, morning coughs often resolve on their own. Since several disorders can cause a morning cough, it is essential to note the cough’s length, kind, characteristics, and any accompanying symptoms.

After you describe all symptoms that accompany your morning cough, your doctor should be able to assist you in determining the source of your chronic cough.