• Why do I have dry cough every time I go to sleep?

I am 30 years old and for the past month, I have been suffering from a dry cough that is only triggered only when I go to sleep. The condition lasts for about half an hour and then settles on its own. Could it be an allergic reaction to something?

3 Answers

  • Allergist and Immunologist
  • Harrisburg, PA

Acid reflux. Try taking a tums when you are about to lay down.

  • Allergist & Immunologist
  • Columbia, MD

I am sorry you are struggling with this and I can certainly understand the frustration. I wish there is an easy and straightforward explanation, but, unfortunately, cough is a complicated symptom which could arise from variety of underlying issues. Allergies (especially seasonal) can be a trigger, silent reflux disease, post nasal drip, even a type of asthma called cough variant can present that way. I would suggest seeing either your PCP or an allergist for full evaluation and proper medication suggestions.
Hope that helps.

Sincerely,

Monika Korff, MD

  • Allergist and Immunologist
  • Orange, CA

Cough with lying down to sleep is most often acid reflux. The usual pattern is that it starts as soon as you lie down. Sometimes a chronic sinus infection can cause a wet cough with lying down. Asthma can also cause a cough when a person is in bed, but it usually does not start right away and instead starts in the early morning hours like around 1 or 2 AM. The symptom you have is thus most likely acid reflux. You can try over-the-counter famotidine (pepcid) 20mg or 40mg after dinner and see if that clears it up.

Alan E. Gorenberg, MD

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