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Nocturnal cough in asthma
A H Thomson1, C Pratt, H Simpson
1Department of Child Health, University of Leicester.
Insights
Nocturnal cough in asthmatic children peaks in the evening and early morning, not aligning with typical circadian patterns. Ambient temperature changes did not significantly influence nighttime coughing frequency.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Circadian Biology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Nocturnal cough is a common symptom in childhood asthma.
- Understanding the timing of nocturnal cough is crucial for effective asthma management.
- Previous studies on circadian rhythms of cough have primarily focused on adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the timing of nocturnal cough in asthmatic children.
- To investigate the association between nocturnal cough timing and ambient temperature fluctuations.
- To compare the observed cough patterns with known circadian rhythms.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 11 asthmatic children (median age 5.1 years) receiving continuous prophylaxis.
- Coughing events were recorded over three nights using a voice-activated system with time signals.
- Ambient room temperature was logged every five minutes using a data logger.
Main Results:
- Ten children experienced nocturnal cough on 27 nights, with a median of six coughing bouts per night.
- Coughing rates were significantly higher in the two hours after bedtime compared to the middle of the night.
- Peak coughing occurred between 7-9 pm and 6-8 am; room temperature was lowest between 5-7 am.
- No significant correlation was found between cough rates and rapid temperature changes ( > 1°C/hour).
Conclusions:
- The timing of nocturnal cough in asthmatic children differs from established adult circadian cough patterns.
- Evening and early morning represent peak times for coughing in this pediatric asthma cohort.
- Ambient temperature changes did not appear to be a primary driver of nocturnal coughing frequency in this study.
Abstract:
The timing of nocturnal cough and its association with change in ambient temperature was documented in 11 asthmatic children, median age 5.1 years, while they were receiving continuous prophylaxis. Studies were performed in their homes on three nights. A voice activated system with electronic time signal recorded coughing. Ambient temperature was recorded every five minutes throughout the night on a Grant Squirrel data logger. Ten children coughed on 27 nights with a median of six bouts of coughing a night (range 0-272). The cough rate in the two hours after going to bed was significantly higher than the cough rate in the middle of the night (2-4 am or 4-6 am). Peak coughing times were 7-9 pm and 6-8 am. The room temperature was lowest between 5 and 7 am. There were no significant differences between cough rates during periods of rapid temperature change (more than 1 degree C an hour). The timing of nocturnal cough observed in this study differed from the known basophase of circadian cycles described for adults and children.