#asktheexpert

Hi, my daughter is almost 5 and recently had a dry cough problem, even though her cold seems to have stopped, she gets constant cough after she us asleep late at night

Question

#asktheexpert

Hi, my daughter is almost 5 and recently had a dry cough problem, even though her cold seems to have stopped, she gets constant cough after she us asleep late at night

Accepted Answer

It's common for children to experience a dry cough even after a cold has resolved, especially at night. This could be due to several reasons:

Post-Nasal Drip: Even after a cold, some mucus may still be draining from the nose to the throat, causing irritation and a dry cough, particularly when lying down.

Airway Irritation: Cold air or dry air at night can irritate the airways, leading to a persistent cough. Using a humidifier in her room can help keep the air moist and soothe her throat.

Asthma or Allergies: Sometimes, coughs that worsen at night can be a sign of asthma or allergies. Allergens in the environment, like dust mites, pets, or pollen, can trigger coughing at night.

Viral Cough: After a viral infection, the cough can linger for several weeks even when other symptoms have gone.

To help manage the cough:

Keep her room humidified. Encourage her to drink plenty of fluids to keep her throat moist. You could try a honey and warm water mixture (if she's over 1 year old) to soothe the throat before bed. Ensure she sleeps with her head slightly elevated to reduce post-nasal drip.

If the cough persists for more than a few weeks, or if it’s accompanied by wheezing, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms, it’s important to consult a pediatrician to rule out asthma or other conditions.