Today, a mother reached out to me for advice. Her child had just gotten over a cough, but it came back again. The child has allergic rhinitis, and although things seem okay during the day, the coughing gets worse at night when she starts breathing through her mouth. I completely understand her worry—my own child had nighttime coughing for quite a long time when he was younger. It was really stressful for me. We visited multiple doctors and hospitals before finally finding the cause. That experience taught me how frustrating and exhausting nighttime cough in children can be.
Why Is My Child Coughing at Night?
Is your child coughing at night and keeping the whole house awake? It’s a common issue that can leave both you and your little one exhausted. If your child is coughing at night but not sick, or the cough is worse when they lie down, there could be several reasons behind it. Here’s what might be causing your child’s nighttime cough, what signs to watch for, and how to help them feel better.
Common Causes of Nighttime Cough in Children
1. Post-Infectious Cough
Sometimes after a cold or virus like RSV, children may continue coughing at night for weeks even though they seem better during the day. This lingering cough is common and usually goes away on its own.
2. Allergies and Post-Nasal Drip
If your child always coughs at night, it could be from allergies. Dust, pollen, or pet dander can cause mucus to drip down the throat at night, triggering a dry cough or wet cough, especially when lying down.
3. Asthma
Asthma is a common reason for kids coughing at night, especially if they also have wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness. Asthma coughing at night in toddlers and older kids often worsens between midnight and 3 a.m. because the body’s natural steroid levels drop during those hours.
4. Acid Reflux (GERD)
Toddlers coughing at night might be reacting to acid reflux. Lying down can cause stomach acid to move up the throat, which leads to excessive coughing at night in children.
5. Environmental Triggers
Smoke, strong smells, or dry air can irritate your child’s airways, causing night cough even if they’re otherwise healthy. Sometimes, parents notice their child’s nostrils are blocked due to cough during winter nights.
When Should I Worry About My Child’s Night Cough?
Call your doctor if your child’s cough is severe at night, doesn’t go away after three weeks, or is waking them up constantly. Watch for signs like:
- Trouble breathing
- High fever
- Coughing up blood
- Noisy breathing or wheezing
- Baby coughing in sleep that doesn’t improve
- A 4-year-old coughing constantly and cannot sleep
If your 2-year-old can’t stop coughing while sleeping even after taking medicine, they should be checked by a doctor.
How to Calm a Cough in a Child at Night
Try these safe, at-home ways to calm a child’s cough at night:
- Elevate their head: For older kids, use an extra pillow to reduce drainage and coughing.
- Use saline spray and suction for babies or toddlers to clear stuffy noses.
- Give honey (only for children over 1 year old) to coat the throat.
- Run a humidifier to add moisture to the air—but clean it regularly to avoid mold.
- Limit allergens in their room like dust, pets, and strong smells.
- For asthma-related coughing, follow your doctor’s plan and use inhalers as needed.
- If your kid is coughing and snoring through the night, talk to your pediatrician about possible enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
FAQs
Why does my child cough only at night?
At night, mucus collects, acid reflux worsens, or asthma symptoms flare. This makes coughing more likely when they lie down.
Why is my toddler coughing at night with no fever or cold?
Allergies, reflux, or mild asthma could be the cause—even without a cold.
Why is my child’s cough worse at night than during the day?
The body’s ability to control inflammation drops at night. Plus, lying flat can trigger more mucus or reflux-related coughing.
My child’s coughing is waking him up all night — what can I do?
Try elevating their head, giving fluids, and using a humidifier. See a doctor if it continues for more than a few nights.
If your 5 or 6-year-old is coughing at night only, or your 1-year-old coughs only when sleeping, don’t ignore it. And if your 11-year-old daughter coughs at night but has no cold, it’s still worth investigating.
Nighttime coughing in kids can be exhausting, but with the right care, it often improves. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask your pediatrician for help.
