Why do I cough when I sleep on my back?

Why do I cough when I sleep on my back?

If your cough is keeping you up all night, you’re not alone. Colds and flus cause the body to produce excess mucus. When you lie down, that mucus can drip down the back of your throat and trigger your cough reflex.

Can sleeping on your back cause coughing?

Sleeping flat on your back or on your side can cause mucus to accumulate in your throat, which can trigger a cough. To avoid this, stack a couple of pillows or use a wedge to lift your head and neck slightly. Avoid elevating your head too much, as this could lead to neck pain and discomfort.

Why do I cough really bad when I wake up?

What can cause a cough in the morning? A morning cough is a common symptom with many potential causes, most of which are relatively mild. Heartburn from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), bronchitis, postnasal drip, or asthma can all cause a morning cough.

Why does my back hurt when I cough?

That nagging back pain when you cough, whether it be upper or lower back is often caused by a muscle strain. These muscle strains can come about for a number of reasons: repetitive, awkward movements, poor posture, inactivity, and even the action of coughing.

What to do if you can’t sleep because of a cough?

Cough supressants and expectorants may be needed if coughing is particularly severe. Some people may want to consider taking over-the-counter medication when coughing makes it impossible to sleep. Cough medications are usually classified as one of the following: Cough suppressants: These block the cough reflex.

Why does my throat hurt when I cough at night?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD) is a digestive disorder that causes some of the contents of the stomach to flow back up to the esophagus. It can lead to throat irritation and coughing, especially at night. People who have GERD should talk to their doctor about managing their condition.

What happens when you have a chronic cough?

A chronic cough is more than just an annoyance. A chronic cough can interrupt your sleep and leave you feeling exhausted. Severe cases of chronic cough can cause vomiting, lightheadedness and even rib fractures. While it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the problem that’s triggering a chronic cough,…