When to get cough checked out?

[diamondstuds]

DS is 21mo. He often has a bit of a cough and most nights stirs in his sleep with a it. It doesn't sound dry but slightly phlegmy but it doesn't sound like it's on his chest - all in his throat. Throughout his life it comes and goes. I've never sought medical advice / treatment as it doesn't seem that bad, just a bit irritating and it never actually wakes him up.
Is this quite common or should I get it checked out?

I think you should get it checked out. Hopefully it will put your mind at rest if there is nothing to worry about.

Thanks Soso24 I may see if I can get an appointment next week.

I think I'm secretly worried about asthma as I know that can be associated with a night-time cough. If it is though, it's better it's identified and treated!

Night time coughing like that is a classic sign of asthma. 2 of my dc had it as toddlers.

BasketWeaver - how old were they when it was diagnosed?

Cough + well child, particularly when under 5 years old = don't worry

Cough + unwell child = get checked out.

Very good rule of thumb .

However, if you are worried, get it checked out.
Asthma cannot be diagnosed with any kind of certainty before about school age - before that it is more commonly referred to as 'viral induced wheeze' if wheezy.
Nighttime cough on its own is hardly ever asthma - there are usually at least some other symptoms: breathless when active, wheeze, allergies ie hayfever etc etc.

Thanks PacificDogwood

He certainly seems fine otherwise, just seems to be happening most nights now rather than occasionally! He's never really had a wheeze as such but does seem to suffer with heavy breathing a lot.