The Most Advanced Asthma & Sleep Institute In New York City

 Coughing is a common symptom in children, but not all coughs are created equal. For many parents, distinguishing between a typical cold-induced cough and an asthma-related cough can be challenging. Since asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in children, understanding the characteristics of an asthma cough is critical for early diagnosis and effective treatment. So, what does an asthma cough sound like—and how can you tell if your child’s cough might be more than just a passing cold? Let’s break it down and see when to visit a top asthma doctor . The Sound of an Asthma Cough An asthma cough often has distinct features that set it apart from other types of coughing: ●      Dry and non-productive – Asthma-related coughs are usually dry , meaning they don’t bring up mucus. This contrasts with the wet, phlegmy coughs associated with colds or respiratory infections. ●      Persistent or chronic – It may last for weeks...

  Asthma coughs can vary depending on the type of asthma your child has: ●      Cough-Variant Asthma   In this form of asthma, the cough is the primary symptom. There may be no wheezing or obvious shortness of breath, making it more difficult to recognize. This is especially common in children. ●      Exercise-Induced Asthma   Coughing typically begins during or after physical activity. It’s often accompanied by chest tightness or wheezing. ●      Nocturnal Asthma   Coughing episodes happen at night and can disrupt sleep. This can be a key indicator that asthma is not well-controlled. What It Doesn’t Sound Like It’s also helpful to understand what an asthma cough typically doesn’t sound like: ●      Barking or harsh coughs are more indicative of croup. ●      Whooping cough involves violent fits followed by a "whooping" sound during inhalat...

  Managing nocturnal asthma involves a combination of medication, environmental control, and sleep hygiene. Treatment plans are customized for each child, but common strategies include: 1. Inhaled Corticosteroids Daily inhaled steroids reduce inflammation in the airways and help prevent nighttime symptoms. 2. Long-Acting Bronchodilators These medications keep the airways open for 12–24 hours and are often prescribed for nighttime use. 3. Allergy Control Measures Removing or reducing allergens in the bedroom—such as using dust-mite-proof bedding, keeping pets out of the room, and using air purifiers—can help prevent flare-ups. 4. Adjusting Sleep Position Elevating the head of the bed or using extra pillows can reduce pressure on the chest and improve drainage. 5. Monitoring and Asthma Action Plan Tracking symptoms and having a written asthma action plan helps parents manage nighttime flare-ups more confidently.  Get more information at  https://www.drma...

  Several physiological and environmental factors can trigger asthma symptoms at night: 1. Natural Changes in Airway Function Airways naturally become narrower during sleep, especially in the early morning hours. This makes breathing more difficult and can worsen asthma symptoms . 2. Lying Down Position When a child lies flat, mucus drainage can slow down, and pressure on the lungs may increase, making it harder to breathe and potentially triggering asthma symptoms. 3. Allergens in the Bedroom Dust mites in pillows, pet dander on bedding, or mold in the room can worsen asthma at night. These allergens are common culprits for triggering nighttime flare-ups. 4. Changes in Hormones and Body Chemistry Hormone levels like cortisol—which help reduce inflammation—drop during the night. This can increase inflammation in the airways and make asthma symptoms worse. Hormone levels like cortisol—which help reduce inflammation—drop during the night. This can increase inflammatio...

  Untreated nocturnal asthma can impact your child’s sleep quality, immune function, academic performance, and emotional well-being. Over time, frequent nighttime symptoms may also indicate that your child’s asthma is not well controlled overall. Fortunately, with the right diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, most children experience significant improvement and can return to restful, uninterrupted sleep. When to See a Specialist If your child has frequent nighttime asthma symptoms—or is waking up tired and coughing—it’s time to consult a pediatric asthma expert. At Dr. Mayank Shukla’s NYC practice, we specialize in identifying and managing complex asthma patterns like nocturnal asthma with an emphasis on long-term wellness and quality sleep. Set Up Your Asthma Consultation Today Nocturnal asthma can be disruptive—but it’s also manageable. By understanding the signs and triggers and working with an experienced asthma specialist, you can help your child sleep pe...

  If your child often wakes up in the middle of the night coughing, wheezing, or short of breath, it may be more than just a cold or seasonal allergy. These symptoms could be signs of nocturnal asthma —a form of asthma that worsens at night and disrupts sleep. However, asthma treatment for kids can help alleviate symptoms. Nocturnal asthma is not only common, especially in children, but it can also interfere with daily life, concentration, and overall well-being if left untreated. In this post, we’ll explore what nocturnal asthma is, what causes it, and how to manage it effectively. What Is Nocturnal Asthma? Nocturnal asthma is a pattern of asthma in which symptoms—such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath—become worse during the night, especially in the early morning hours. It’s not a separate type of asthma but rather a worsening of existing asthma symptoms during sleep. According to the Cleveland Clinic, up to 75% of people with asthma exper...