Is the musty smell causing my son's coughing?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the musty smell could indeed be linked to your son's coughing fits. In Dubai and the UAE, it’s quite common to experience such odors post-dust storms, especially if the air conditioning units or ventilation systems were not properly maintained. This is a typical scenario that can lead to conditions like "cleaning asthma," which might explain why your child is experiencing more symptoms at night.

Cleaning asthma can occur when people are exposed to allergens and irritants commonly found in cleaning products or dust mite droppings. These irritants can trigger coughing, wheezing, and other respiratory issues, especially in children who have a lower tolerance for such environmental factors.

In your situation, the musty smell might be due to mold growth, which is prevalent after dust storms, particularly if moisture levels are high inside your home or apartment. Mold spores can easily spread through HVAC systems, and without proper maintenance, they can become airborne, affecting everyone in the household.

Given that your son has been complaining of persistent coughing every morning, it would be wise to have a professional indoor environmental inspection done. This is especially important given local regulations such as those outlined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which require regular checks on air quality and mold prevention in buildings.

For prompt assistance, you could contact Saniservice at 800-MOLDS or email them at hello@saniservice.com. They specialize in providing comprehensive indoor air quality assessments and remediation services to ensure your home is safe for everyone, especially children.

Remember to keep an eye on the humidity levels inside your home; using dehumidifiers can significantly reduce mold growth. Also, ensure that your AC filters are clean and replace them regularly, as a buildup of dust and dirt can lead to increased allergens in the air.

If you decide against professional help for now, try to improve indoor air quality by opening windows when the outdoor air quality is good (check the AQI index), using HEPA filters in your home, and avoiding harsh cleaning chemicals. Regular vacuuming with a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner can also help reduce allergens in the environment.

Stay vigilant about these factors, but don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if you notice any worsening of symptoms or if there’s an increase in mold growth after a storm.