Asthma night time cough - what next?

[Sirzy]

DS (2.2) has asthma which has always been hard to control, now he is really struggling with the night time/nap time coughing side of think disturbing sleep for everyone.

He is propped up on a couple of pillows, room thoroughly dusted all teddies bar 2 removed and they have been frozen. I gave him 5 puffs of ventolin in his sleep about half an hour ago which has eased it slightly but still coughing intermidently which is disturbing his sleep.

Anyone got any other miracle cures to stop the coughing?

Reflux cough can be similar - I have asthma and when I started coughing more thought it was asthma but it was infact reflux irritation causing the cough.

I don't know how this helps but can you take him to GP/asthma specialist for help?

Try to get him to sleep on his side - much easier to breathe, but hard to do with a 2yo!! I find it best with my top arm laid flat along my side. Seems to open the lungs somehow - I read it in a book many years ago but can't remember what book!

Steamy bath before bed always eases my breathing.

Bowl of water on windowsill (or even damp towel on radiator) so air isn't too dry. It helps me in summer too - think it may trap some pollen?

Whacking on the back before lying down (strong patting with him face down over your lap or lying face down) again really helps me and was advised by doc when one of mine had bronchiolitis (a bit like people need to do for cf children).

Avoid milk/milk products for the hour or so before sleep. (also wheat and squash for me as they make me wheeze a bit).

Feel for all of you - it's horrible.

Obviously also make an appointment with asthma nurse/doctor for suggestions. If he is needing that much Ventolin, there is very possibly a better medication option.

Sirzy we have a prescription for piriton and sometimes give that before bed x x poor little man it seems never ending with them x x

We got special bed and mattress covers - we googled it (sorry I can't remember what the company was) and were lucky enough to catch a sale. It helped ward off our DS1's execma too. Don't know why it isn't mentioned more at the docs because it's bed bug allergies that are very common in setting off these coughs. Hope it helps - we've been there. It's worrying and exhausting. Good luck!

Thank you for the suggestions. He saw the consultant on Wednesday who started singulair so hoping in the next week we see the benefits of that, will take effect or I will try to bring the next appointment forward.