The difference between hot cough and cold cough lies in their causes and symptoms. Coughing at night may be related to body position, dry air, or worsening of the illness. Treatment should be tailored to the specific type, choosing from traditional Chinese medicine, dietary adjustments, or environmental improvements.
1. Hot cough is usually caused by wind-heat or lung heat. Symptoms include frequent coughing, thick yellow phlegm, dry mouth and sore throat, and fever. Treatment options include traditional Chinese medicine to clear lung heat, such as Sangju Yin or Yinqiao Jiedu Pian. In terms of diet, eat more lung-moistening foods such as pears, lilies, and honey, and avoid spicy and greasy foods.
2. Cold cough is mostly caused by wind-cold invasion, manifested as cough with thin white phlegm, chills and fever, nasal congestion and runny nose with clear discharge. Treatment can use traditional Chinese medicine to dispel cold and stop cough, such as Xing Su San or Ma Huang Tang. In terms of diet, choose cold-dispelling foods such as ginger, scallion, and brown sugar, and pay attention to keeping warm.
3. Nighttime coughing may be related to phlegm buildup when lying down, dry air, or worsening of illness. Improvements include using a humidifier before bed, elevating your pillow to reduce phlegm reflux, and avoiding consuming irritating foods such as coffee and strong tea before bed.
4. Prolonged or severe cough requires prompt medical attention to rule out conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics, cough suppressants, expectorants, or administer nebulizer treatments. Chest imaging may be necessary in some cases.
Relieving nighttime cough requires a comprehensive approach that considers both the specific underlying cause and environmental factors, including medication, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle modifications. Seeking professional medical help when necessary is also important to ensure effective symptom control.