Nighttime toddler coughing: What causes it and how is it treated? - Medical News Today
Coughing at night can be upsetting for toddlers and their parents or caregivers. Usually, nighttime coughing is nothing to worry about, however, and is most likely the symptom of a virus that will clear up on its own. When a toddler coughs, the sound they make or the symptoms that accompany them may help identify the cause. They could be due to varying reasons, such as the common cold, asthma, acid reflux, or a sinus infection. Most coughs in toddlers get better in a few weeks. However, researchers estimate that 5–10% of children have a chronic cough. Within the body, mucus coats the airways, trapping and removing irritants and fighting infection. But some conditions, such as infections and allergies, can cause people to feel mucus building up or trickling down their throats. When excess mucus runs down a person's throat, it is known as a post-nasal drip. It is a common trigger for nighttime coughing and sore throats. However, a post-nasal drip cough does not usually involve deep o...