Reason for Coughing Only When Lying Down

Coughs are an almost universal symptom, denoting any of possible hundreds of conditions or diseases, but if you cough only when lying down, that could indicate one of a handful of malaises.

Firstly and most importantly, is your cough productive or not? A productive cough is one where phlegm or sputum comes up with the majority of your coughs. Whereas, a non-productive cough would be a tickle in your throat leading to coughing like there’s something deep in your lungs that needs to be expelled. Each type indicates a different possibility of conditions or illnesses.

A productive cough is more likely to indicate an acute disease such as a virus or infection. If you have a productive cough in conjunction with fever, wheezing, or any such malaise, you should immediately visit a doctor, even if these symptoms only present when lying down. The cause could become dangerous quickly on the off chance it is something serious, and it is always better to be sure it’s not.

A non-productive cough, however, is more likely a symptom of something chronic, such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder). Chronic heartburn can irritate the throat, especially while one is lying down, causing a need to cough sometimes lasting for almost half an hour. Exposure to smoke and other toxins that can damage the lungs may trigger chronic non-productive cough, and occasionally a productive one.

Environmental factors can also cause either a productive or non-productive cough. Things such as allergies, dust, and certain molds can cause coughs in anyone who is exposed to them for long periods, very often not even being aware of the cause’s existence, in the case of molds and some allergies.

Regardless of the cause of your coughs, or the variety of your coughs, it is always a prudent idea to go to your doctor as soon as symptoms first arise. If you have no insurance, almost all major cities have at least one free clinic, and there is no shame in maintaining your health. Chronic coughs usually have an underlying condition, and especially so if you cough only when lying down.