Author: Md Medical Clinics
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The cough is a natural reflex that occurs to keep you away from infection of the airways or lungs. The infection may be caused by a virus, bacteria, pollen, dirt, or some irritant. A midnight dry cough can make your night upset, and you may need urgent care for cough treatment at that moment.
A dry cough comes up without mucus and is also called an unproductive cough. A cough can happen when there is a lot of mucus released, which is called a wet cough. Several reasons can be held responsible for coughing.
Reasons Behind Dry Cough at Night
There are certain possible reasons for a dry cough at night. Gravity is the main contributor; when you lie down flat, mucus and other fluids accumulate in the throat and may cause coughing. Some medical conditions that can cause a midnight dry cough may be allergies, asthma, bronchitis, and croup. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), side effects of medicine, and smoking may also contribute to this condition.
Acid reflux from the stomach to the throat, or food poisoning, can trigger a cough reflex. Environmental conditions like breathing in dry air can also trigger this disease due to loss of moisture in the throat. Hormonal changes and lung function changes may also trigger this dry cough at night, which mostly happens in asthma patients. Postnasal drip and pneumonia are also reasons for a dry cough at night.
Why Midnight Dry Cough Should Not Be Ignored?
Most dry coughs are gone in a week and can be managed at home. Sometimes a dry cough can lead to lung infection, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, lung cancer, heart failure, or other serious conditions. If a dry cough lasts for more than 10 days, it may need medical attention.
Some conditions that may be signs of a serious condition include:
- A cough that comes with blood
- Difficulty in breathing and chest pain
- Fever and chills
- Exposure to tuberculosis
- Rapid heartbeat
- Unintended weight loss
- Thick and yellowish-green phlegm with a foul smell
- Night sweats with a persistent cough
- Weight gain or swelling in the legs and ankles
What Are the Serious Conditions in Children?
Children are more prone to any serious condition related to a dry cough. Always take it seriously and seek medical attention when your child is less than three months old and has:
- Blue or pale in color, face, lips, and tongue
- A cough that lasts more than one week
- Fever with cough for more than two days
- Severe coughing and whooshing
- Trouble breathing
- High-pitched sound when breathing
- Whooping sound
Let a doctor know if your child develops a cough at the same time every year or is sensitive to some allergens. These recurring symptoms could be early signs of asthma or allergies. It is important to inform your doctor, so he can diagnose and prescribe effective treatments.
How Urgent Care for Cough Treatment Can Help
Urgent care is the fastest way to get a consultation and start treatment without any waiting time. If a dry cough gets worse and symptoms show a serious condition, then you may not wait for a primary care provider; just go to an urgent care clinic near you. Persistent cough is not a common concern; it could be the cause of some serious illness.
They will help diagnose the illness and may prescribe medication and some remedies that are going to help you treat the coughing. They will help to prevent the infection and recommend some sleep postures that can reduce coughing at night. You may take bed rest with teleurgent care for cough treatment in CA, which is available for 24 hours.
Online treatment for cough may protect you from environmental factors, dust, and pollen in the air, or exposure to chemicals. So, take a step towards urgent care treatment.
How to Treat Nighttime Dry Cough?
A health provider may recommend antibiotics or an over-the-counter prescription for coughing treatment, depending on the cause of your symptoms. Always stay hydrated in this condition, as it can disinfect your body and lessen the cough.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics may be recommended for bacterial infections, and for viruses, they may be recommended. Follow the provider’s instructions thoroughly and complete the entire course even if you feel better earlier. Bacterial infections require a complete course; otherwise, they become resistant to the antibiotics.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are used to block the histamine hormone that is released in response to allergens. These are available in capsule, tablet, liquid, and nasal spray forms. Take these antihistamines before bedtime or in the morning, following the instructions of your doctor.
Bronchodilators
It treats asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It opens the airways by relaxing the bronchi, or passageways that direct the lungs.
Decongestants
They treat nasal congestion that is caused by a cold, flu, or allergens. Decongestants are available over-the-counter in liquid, pill, and spray forms. Don’t use decongestants for more than three days.
Guaifenesin
Guaifenesin lessens the chest congestion from colds, allergies, or flu. These are available in pills, liquid, and capsules. You can take it alone or with antihistamines, decongestants, and cough suppressants.
Oral Steroids
It treats asthma and COPD that last for 1 or 2 weeks. These are available in pills, liquid, and capsules.
Summary
A dry cough at midnight may not be taken lightly, as it can become a worse nightmare for you. When it persists for more than two weeks, then go to urgent care for cough treatment and diagnosis of some other severe illnesses that can cause coughing. Urgent care provides consistent, convenient, and affordable treatment plans that may also include your insurance packages.
Cough treatment by telehealth care is a more accessible and timely solution for those who are seeking treatment from the comfort of their bedroom. They can diagnose and prescribe medication through online consultation. They can also advise you on home remedies that can reduce the symptoms of dry cough, such as staying hydrated, using honey in water, using a humidifier, taking herbal tea, and avoiding triggers at home.
In the future, online urgent care will continue to evolve with great diagnostic methods and treatment for a variety of conditions. So take this dry coughing seriously and take steps towards virtual urgent care and get treatment timely. Don’t hesitate to seek urgent care or virtual health treatment at night. They are available for 24 hours for your service.
