What is the best medicine for coughing at night?

Have you ever found yourself coughing nonstop at night, only to realize that all the OTC cough syrups you’ve tried so far aren’t cutting it? Have you ever resorted to taking everything from honey and turmeric tea, lemon water, garlic and onion juice, or anything else suggested by your trusted internet source to get rid of your pesky nighttime cough? Well then congratulations, my friend! You have officially entered the club of people who suffer from nocturnal hacking fits!

But fear not, we are here today to share with you some tried-and-tested home remedies that can help alleviate nighttime coughing. We’ll also talk about a few medicines that one could take if natural remedies alone don’t cut it.

Part I – Why do we Suffer from Nighttime Cough?

Before diving into possible treatments for nighttime coughs, let’s first address the underlying reason why most people experience this condition:

  1. Respiratory Issues: This is the most common cause behind nocturnal cough episodes. It usually includes conditions like asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), chronic bronchitis or even sinus infections.
  2. GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): Often known as acid reflux disease; where stomach acid flows back up into our esophagus resulting in irritation.
  3. Irritants Allergens: Examples include mold spores or dust particles which when present in large proportions.

The above reasons causes are signs rather than symptoms hence consulting a doctor before treating oneself would always be advisable.

Part II – Natural Remedies for Nighttime Coughs That Actually Work

Here are some of the best natural treatments out there:

1.Lemon Water

A bowl full of warm water mixed with fresh lemon juice may be just what the doctor ordered. Acidic, sour fruit like lemons act as an antibacterial agent and can help get rid of any bacteria present, thereby reducing inflammation.

2. Honey Tea

Known most often for being able to soothe sore throats, honey tea can also be a lifesaver when it comes to coughing at night. Its antiseptic properties help kill off bacteria in our throat’s lining and calm down the tissue, making it less irritated.

3. Salt Water Gargle

A simple saltwater solution can work wonders on a nighttime cough; Colds and flu viruses usually irritate the back of your throat hence dissolving some salt in warm water then gargling with it helps reduce swollen or inflamed membranes both from seasonal allergies or infections.

Part III – Medicines to Help Alleviate Nighttime Coughs

Sometimes natural remedies alone are not enough:

1.Antitussives

Most commonly prescribed due to its ability to suppress solo dry hacking coughs codeine is still regarded as among the preferred choices but other prescription-strength drugs that come under this category include Benadryl (diphenhydramine), chlorpheniramine or even promethazine – But before you decide which best one suits your needs while suppressing your nocturnal tendencies do make sure labels don’t reveal any underlying dislikes

If over-the-counter version works better than preferred medicines would contain menthol-often times available in lozenges-soothes post-nasal drip induced irritation handing controls over Benzocaine serving double duty providing relief by numbing already agitated tissues thereof.

More Powerful Solutions:

For much more powerful solutions see Table A below, sorted according their specific use case scenarios.

Name Class Weather Conditions
Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM) Antitussive Cold
Guaifenesin Expectorant Humid
Diphenhydramine HCL (Benadryl) Antihistamine & Sedative Dry
Promethazine Tissue stabilizer and antipsychotic Humidity>70%

Table A: Medications to Alleviate Nighttime Coughs

Part IV – When to Visit a Doctor

While natural remedies work wonders for minor coughing fits, it is best to see a doctor if these symptoms persist:

  • If you are experiencing breathing difficulties or chest pain
  • If your cough has been persistent for more than two weeks
  • If the mucus you produce appears yellow-brown or blood-spattered

When visiting the professional its worthwhile telling them how long one has been exhibiting symptoms, their severity along with other medical details that they believe relevant. The primary goal is always safety better be safe than sorry.

Conclusion

Coughing at night can be daunting but it does not have to result in sleepless nights. With the above home remedies and over-the-counter medications listed ease may just present itself amidst one’s daily struggles however safety first as those peculiar situations would still require acknowledgement by doctors irrespective of nature & scope should never be ignored.

Happy sleeping folks!

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