My DS has had a cough now for about 7 weeks. Going for chest x ray this week. He doesn't have an infection and Dr can't hear anything on chest. His cough is worse at night and i wonder if dust or asthma may be a cause. I removed all teddies from his room and this seemed to help a little. We keep his room dust free but have had works done in the house a couple of months ago and this would have left a lot of residual dust in the house for a while.

What are the tell tale signs of childhood asthma?

I will be watching this thread with interest as my DS has the same problem and I been wondering exactly the same thing

Am hoping someone will answer!

With us it's night coughs, and long term day time coughs following any kind of cold. Me and DS2 could have the sniffles for just a few days, but we'll end up with hacking coughs for the next few weeks (to the point of vomiting) We also react badly to certain triggers (both of us with dog hair, going from warm to very cold air, and I have problems with humidity)

In my experience the GP seems to be happy to go with asthma if there's a constant night cough with no illness involved.

How do you treat it? DS has been coughing quite badly for 7 weeks. Was worse at beginning and got a little better at night but continued uring the day. Just had a stomach viral infection and cold and again is hacking at night removed all soft toys from room last night and this seemed to help a little but coughing lots again this morning. My mother has asthma but neither DH or I do. DS had milk allergy when young and can get eczema so has experience with allergies.

Dr hasn't mentioned it as an idea, just confused as to why he has had a cough for so long. Should i ask whether this could be a possibility?

it's obvious i know but i have to say it.

a cough alone isn't it - there has to be trouble breathing.

try cafeine - caffeine is an asthma reliever - see if a nice cup of coffee helps at all and if so - maybe you are onto something.

also leaning forward ( again obvious maybe) but by sitting up and leaning forward you are helping your lungs.

Not sure if this helps at all.
I was diagnosed with Allergic Asthma. Much against my wishes. Dust, Dust Mites, Cats, Tree Pollen. I did have a cough and a wheeze now I take Becotide morn & night and a nasal spray. I havent needed my Ventolin (blue inhaler) for over a year now. & no cough or wheeze.

DD1 has been told she has Allergic Asthma but that was without any form of testing of even a sound on her chest. She has no medication but has just started up with this horrible cough which seems to be everywhere. So I am considering taking her back to the doctors to see about allergy testing.

and there are all sorts of triggers, dust mightn't be it - just normal household dust.

for me - dry heat - i do not have the radiators on in my bedroom - i would rather have an extra blanket.

not all aerosols - but stuff like fly spray and some deoderants, perfumes can set me off esp if they are strong.

animal fur especially cats and dogs.

I think 2 is a little young for coffee!

I don't know if he has difficulty breathing. He does seem to hold his breath in his sleep sometimes, which is a little odd and can get me a little panicked. His breathing can go from regular to irregular but that has always been his way i think.

I do notice that he doesn't have the same level as puff as his friends. he does like to run around alot but when playing with party trumpets he can blow the trumpet out but not make the tooting noise that his friends the same age can. IYKWIM.

and something you have to consider.

asthma is a killer - its not some namby pamby thing that lots of people have - it kills. It is important that if diagnosed medication is taken properly.

the reliever is something that you take everyday - this is a steroid.

as such it weakens your immune system - a bit of a catch 22.

when i am sick with a cold - i am off my feet sick for days. I try to avoid other people with colds. and i take vit c to boost my immune system