Coughing that is worse at night can be a helpful clue. Certain conditions are worse when lying down, for example heartburn and esophageal reflux of stomach contents. If you feel stomach contents or vomit in your throat at night this sign is very suspicious for esophageal reflux. If you have a bitter taste in your throat or hoarseness in the morning this also could be esophageal reflux. Coughing results when stomach acid and fluid irritate your neck structures.

Allergic rhinitis and asthma are conditions that commonly get worse at night even mild cases. Daily exposure to allergens and irritants may not cause dramatic symptoms during a busy day however when you settle down at night the delayed allergic response may cause symptoms.

At night anxiety surrounding coughing may increase the overall distress over this symptom.

After you have thought about the information above, please answer one of the following statements which seems the most true of your cough.