I cough when I lie down, but not when I sit up

Some patients cough when they lie down, but stop coughing when they sit up. This should attract attention. We know that there are many reasons for coughing. The most common one is infection. For example, bronchitis and asthma can cause coughing. When the inflammation is more serious, it may cause this kind of restless symptom. We must understand the specific reasons and treat them with certain medications in time.

Causes of cough

1. Inhalation

Inhalants are divided into two types: specific and nonspecific. The former include dust mites, pollen, fungi, animal dander, etc.; non-specific inhalants include sulfuric acid, sulfur dioxide, chloramine, etc. Specific inhalants of occupational cough include toluene diisocyanate, phthalic anhydride, ethylenediamine, penicillin, protease, amylase, silk, animal dander or excrement, etc. In addition, non-specific ones include formaldehyde, formic acid, etc.

2. Infection

The development and onset of cough are associated with recurrent respiratory tract infections. Patients with cough may have specific IgE to bacteria, viruses, mycoplasma, etc., which can trigger coughing if the corresponding antigens are inhaled. After viral infection, the respiratory epithelium can be directly damaged, resulting in increased respiratory tract reactivity. Some scholars believe that interferon and IL-1 produced by viral infection increase the histamine released by alkaliphilic granulocytes. During the infant period, many children develop cough symptoms after being infected by respiratory viruses (especially respiratory syncytial virus). Cough caused by parasites such as roundworms and hookworms can be seen in areas with poor sanitation.

3. Food

Cough attacks caused by diet are common in cough patients, especially infants and young children who are prone to food allergies, but this phenomenon gradually decreases with age. The most common foods that cause allergies are fish, shrimp, crab, eggs, milk, etc.

4. Climate change

Changes in air temperature, temperature, air pressure and/or ions in the air can induce coughing, so it is more common in cold seasons or when the climate changes from autumn to winter.

5. Mental factors

The patient's emotional excitement, nervousness, resentment, etc. can all trigger a coughing attack. It is generally believed that it is caused by cerebral cortex and vagus nerve reflexes or hyperventilation.

6. Exercise

70% to 80% of cough patients develop cough after strenuous exercise, which is called exercise-induced cough or exercise cough. Clinical manifestations include cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, and wheezing can be heard by auscultation. Although some patients do not have typical asthma symptoms after exercise, pulmonary function tests before and after exercise can reveal bronchospasm.

7. Cough and medication

Some drugs can cause coughing attacks, such as propranolol, which causes coughing by blocking β2-adrenergic receptors.