Nighttime Remedy for Coughing

Not all coughs are the same. Because of this, attempting to treat each nighttime cough with the remedy that worked on another cough may not work. You must consider the reason for the cough. Once the underlying reason has been determined, the appropriate remedy can be used to treat the cough in question. For example, a cough caused by an allergy won't respond to the same treatment as a cough caused by swallowing food or drinks the wrong way.

Honey

• According to James M. Steckelberg, M.D of the Mayo Clinic, honey is considered an effective cough suppressant, much like dextromethorphan, an over-the-counter medication. Take one teaspoon of honey to minimize the cough. He suggests mixing the honey into tea or warm lemon water. As long as you don't have any other health concerns, you can take the honey once per hour.

Menthol Chest Rub

• According to Merck, menthol chest rub can be an effective nighttime cough suppressant when applied to the chest before bedtime. This medication works to reduce inflammation in the esophagus and, since it isn't taken internally, it is generally considered safer than cough syrups and other medications.

Postural Drainage

• Dr. Howard M. Lederman of the A-T Children's Project states that postural drainage is a good remedy for coughing. This method involves using one of two procedures: clapping or vibrations. For clapping, cup your hand and strike the chest of the person coughing. You can do this on the back as well. The strikes should be akin to firm tapping. Vibrations are best done by therapists, as this procedure involves placing firm pressure on the patient's chest.

Humidity

• According to Bio-Medicine, humidity can help to stop a cough. Taking a warm shower, using a cool air humidifier or sitting with your head under a towel placed over a pot of warm water are all suggestions to increase humidity.

When to Seek Medical Care

• A nighttime cough may be something more serious if it tends to remain for longer than ten days and the secretions coughed up change in color from clear to more yellow or green or if blood is visible in these secretions. These are signs that something serious could be causing your cough. They all warrant a trip to the doctor, as prescription medications and/or nebulizer treatments may be necessary.