Persistent coughing at night. What could be causing it?

There are a number of possibilities to consider. These might include:

   1. An infection of your upper respiratory tract infection. These are usual viral in nature (such as with colds and flu) and if this is the case, you may have had other symptoms preceding the cough.

   2. It could also be that your persistent cough relates to an air-borne allergy and a sign of mild asthma, although it would be unusual for asthma and allergies to manifest for the first time above the age of 60, although smoking might be a predisposing factor

   3. Lastly, your cough may be caused by a condition we call acid reflux – this happens when the acidic contents of your stomach travel up your gullet and into the back of the throat. Irritation of these tissues cause you to cough and symptoms are more likely when you are lying down or in bed. If this is the case with you, other gastric symptoms such as heartburn or bloating may be present

If you have not already been to your doctor, perhaps this is the next step you should take.