However, if you're not a regular smoker and keep on waking up with a cough, you might start wondering why. There are several conditions that can cause an early morning cough: Show 1. Postnasal drip Postnasal drip is one of the most common causes of a persistent cough. Your nose serves as a gateway to your respiratory tract – and to protect it from irritants, the nose produces mucus that serves as a filter. But sometimes the body produces too much, which has to go somewhere – usually all the way down the respiratory tract, which will cause irritation and a cough. As mucus pools at the back of the throat while you are lying down, a cough associated with nasal drip can be especially bad at night and first thing in the morning. What to do: Postnasal drip has various causes: it could be an allergy, sinusitis, a cold or flu. If the postnasal drip is persistent and causing a cough, especially first thing in the morning, you might want to address the underlying cause of the nasal drip by means of a decongestant or antihistamines. 2. Hay fever There are various things inside the home that may cause an allergic reaction that triggers hay fever symptoms. It could be dust, pollen or pet dander. These allergens are present in many homes and can irritate your airways. What to do: Make sure your house, especially your bedroom, is always free of dust. If pet dander is the issue, try to make your bedroom a pet-free zone. Make sure your bedroom is well-ventilated. 3. Bronchitis If you cough up phlegm, especially in the morning, it might be a sign of bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is the most common form and occurs when the bronchi (the airways of the lungs) become inflamed. The cough tends to be worse in the morning as phlegm and fluids settle in the lungs during the night while you are sleeping. What to do: Acute bronchitis is a common condition and is often mild enough not to require medical intervention. If, however, you experience a high fever, green or yellow sputum and are struggling to breathe, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. The cough will most likely last for up to three weeks and will resolve itself. Repeat courses of antibiotics might not have any effect and be pointless. In conclusion, most coughs which are more persistent at night and first thing when you wake up tend to be caused by phlegm or mucus pooling in the throat or respiratory system. If you are treating the underlying condition, but your cough persists, you can take the following steps.
Image credit: iStock We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred In times of uncertainty you need journalism you can trust. For 14 free days, you can have access to a world of in-depth analyses, investigative journalism, top opinions and a range of features. Journalism strengthens democracy. Invest in the future today. Thereafter you will be billed R75 per month. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won't be billed. Consistently rated one of the worst words in the English language, "phlegm" is hardly a great conversation starter. Medically speaking, though, your phlegm can be an important barometer for your health. Serious changes in your phlegm can be a valid reason to speak to your doctor. "Color changes in your phlegm can mean a number of different things health-wise. Importantly, you can observe these changes quickly and easily, and these can help you decide if you need to seek medical attention," says Barbara Kreel, MD, a Geisinger ear, nose and throat specialist. What is phlegm?The body uses mucus to trap germs and contaminants. Many parts of the body produce mucus, like the GI tract, throat, nose, sinuses, mouth and more. Phlegm is mucus from your lungs and lower airways that protects against germs and foreign contaminants like pollution. "Clear phlegm is normal. It’s made of water, salt and other cells," says Dr. Kreel. "When you become sick, the phlegm may thicken as well as change color as your body fights off the infection." Here are what some of the colors of your phlegm might be trying to tell you: WhiteWhite phlegm is normally no cause for alarm. It indicates sinus activity and nasal congestion. As the airway passages get inflamed, the phlegm in the respiratory tract can thicken and become white. Yellow phlegm is a sign that your body is fighting off a mild infection. "White blood cells are responsible for fighting infections, and as they get picked up in the mucus, they can cause it to have a yellowish hue," says Dr. Kreel. Cough up green phlegm? Green mucus is an indication that your body is fighting off a more serious infection. While the green color may be alarming, it’s a natural byproduct of the immune system activity necessary to fight off the infection. Consider seeing your doctor if your other symptoms are getting worse. Red or pink phlegm can be a more serious warning sign. Red or pink indicates that there’s bleeding in your respiratory tract or lungs. Heavy coughing can cause bleeding by breaking the blood vessels in the lungs, leading to red phlegm. However, more serious conditions can also cause red or pink phlegm. "If you’re experiencing red or pink phlegm, you should talk to a physician sooner," says Dr. Kreel. "As a one-time symptom, it may not really be an issue, but if persistent, it might signal conditions like tuberculosis or a pulmonary embolism. Determine if you’re experiencing other symptoms that may indicate something serious, and always err on the side of safety." BrownBrown phlegm can also be a warning sign because it signals prior bleeding. As the blood ages, it turns brown. If you notice brown phlegm, you should see your doctor. BlackBlack phlegm is cause for immediate action — it likely signals a fungal infection, especially for people with compromised immune systems. You should see your doctor right away. "Bear in mind that phlegm discoloration is only part of the story," says Dr. Kreel. "Just because your phlegm is white or yellow doesn’t give you a clean bill of health. Phlegm color is a reference point that needs to be considered along with other symptoms. If you have any reason to think your condition is worsening or your symptoms are bad, talk to your doctor." What does yellow phlegm mean in the morning?Yellow phlegm is a sign that your body is fighting off a mild infection. "White blood cells are responsible for fighting infections, and as they get picked up in the mucus, they can cause it to have a yellowish hue," says Dr. Kreel.
Should I be concerned about coughing up yellow phlegm?Common conditions that cause phlegm to turn yellow include pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis. A person should contact their doctor if they have been producing yellow phlegm for more than a few days.
Do I need antibiotics if coughing up yellow phlegm?After 2 or 3 days, mucus may change to a white, yellow, or green color. This is normal and does not mean you need an antibiotic. Some symptoms, especially runny or stuffy nose and cough, can last for up to 10 to 14 days.
Why am I coughing up thick yellow mucus?If you see green or yellow phlegm, it's usually a sign that your body is fighting an infection. The color comes from white blood cells. At first, you may notice yellow phlegm that then progresses into green phlegm. The change occurs with the severity and length of the potential sickness.
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Coughing up yellow phlegm in the morning
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