gag/cough with phlegm only in AM

My husband's schedule has recently changed a little over a month ago. Now he has to wake up early morning, about 7am and he has this gagging and coughing and does not have an appetite. the cough sounds terrible. and there is some phlegm. this only happens the first 15-20 minutes he is awake. why is this happening when he wakes up? when he used to have more time to sleep and could sleep later in the day he would wake up fine. he is a non smoker and because there is a difference depending on the time he wakes up, i do not think its from the room/dust.

is there something about early morning air? the windows are now closed because of the colder weather but this was happening also in early sept when we had windows open.

is it from not getting enough sleep?

I used to know someone else like this - nauseous/gag/cough in the AM hours but if she slept late , she was fine ?

even when he could sleep late, he would not have an appetite right away but did not have this gag/cough.

hope someone knows!?

Thank you!

Re: gag/cough with phlegm only in AM

It's funny you mention that. I have it too. In my case, it's a post nasal drip like symptom due to allergies. It could just be coincidence that his schedule changed and the seasons are also chaging too. It started for me in September right around when i went back to teaching. Ever since i've been on claritin, i've been much better. Your husband should go to his gp.