Is dust from downstairs affecting my son's coughing?« Back to Previous Page

After the recent move into our new home on the second floor of a residential building, we've been noticing that our son has had persistent coughing fits every night. The bedroom is directly above the living room where they spend most of their time playing with friends and siblings. I'm worried it might be something in the air or dust from down below, but I’m not sure what to check for or how to address this. Has anyone else experienced similar issues, or do you have any steps we can take to ensure our family’s health?
Posted by Fatima El-Sayed
Asked on January 16, 2026 10:22 pm
Is dust from downstairs affecting your son's coughing? This is indeed a plausible concern given the setup of your home. In Dubai and the UAE more broadly, indoor air quality can be significantly influenced by factors such as dust, allergens, or even mold growth—especially in multi-level residential buildings.

Firstly, it’s essential to understand that the second-floor living arrangement you have might contribute to an increased likelihood of airborne particulates moving upwards. This could include particles from activities like playing and cleaning downstairs which can settle on surfaces and be disturbed into the air during your son's night-time activity or sleep.

To systematically address this issue, here are steps that can be taken:

1. Air Filtration Systems: Consider installing high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home’s ventilation system to capture fine particles including dust mites and their fecal matter—common triggers for respiratory issues such as coughing.

2. Regular Cleaning Practices: Implement a rigorous cleaning regimen both downstairs and upstairs, focusing on areas frequented by your son and his friends. Use microfiber cloths which are more effective in trapping dust than traditional cotton ones.

3. Humidity Control: Dust mites thrive in humid environments. Utilize dehumidifiers to keep the relative humidity level below 50%. This can help reduce dust mite populations, which contribute significantly to respiratory issues.

4. Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation throughout your home, particularly at night when windows are closed due to cooler temperatures. Opening windows briefly during the day can also aid in refreshing indoor air.

5. Professional Inspection: Given the persistent nature of your son’s cough and its apparent relation to his bedroom's location, it might be prudent to have a professional inspection conducted. This is especially true if there are concerns about potential mold growth due to any moisture issues that could exist from downstairs activity or even from outside sources like irrigation systems.

In Dubai, regulations regarding indoor air quality may not be as stringent as in some other regions; however, ensuring your home environment supports respiratory health should always be a priority. Should you decide to proceed with an inspection, consider contacting local services such as Saniservice at 800-66537 or emailing hello@saniservice.com for expert guidance and assistance.

Remember, maintaining a clean, dry, and well-ventilated home environment can significantly reduce the likelihood of respiratory issues like coughing.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on January 18, 2026 12:47 am