During the day time, the body is usually in a vertical (straight) state. Therefore, any mucus produced from the lungs, throat, nasal cavity or sinuses can be easily swallowed once it reaches the throat (thanks to gravity). During the nighttime when the body is in horizontal state, the mucus moves slower and collects in the throat provoking irritation and cough.
Mucus production is usually caused by some type of upper or lower respiratory infection. You can check out your symptoms for proper diagnosis at your GP's office and can consult a ENT-specialist or pulmologist (lung specialist), if necessary.
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