Why Is Your Child Coughing At Night But Not Sick?

By Shubhi Kumar
03 Jun 2025, 19:00 IST

If your child is coughing at night but seems perfectly fine during the day, it can be confusing and concerning. Nighttime coughing can stem from several underlying causes that don’t necessarily involve a current illness. Tap to read!

Postnasal Drip

When mucus from the nose or sinuses flows down the throat when a person is lying down, it can trigger coughs-especially in the nighttime hours.

Asthma

Coughing, particularly at night and morning, is sometimes an expression of asthma, even when the child does not wheeze or have shortness of breath.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

The acid from the stomach returning to the throat in the sleeping hours irritates the airway, causing that pesky nighttime cough.

Allergies

Allergic substances in our environment- dust mites, pet dander, pollen-causee coughing and nasal irritation, particularly at night.

Lingering Cough from Past Illnesses

Sometimes, a cough can last for weeks after a cold or the flu, especially during the night when the throat gets more irritated.

Information credits

This information is sourced from Kids Health’s website. If our child has a persistent or severe cough, consult a paediatrician for proper diagnosis and treatment.