AC causing my child's cough or see pediatrician first?« Back to Previous Page

My 4-year-old son has had a persistent, nagging cough for over two weeks now, and it always seems worse in the evenings in his bedroom. We live in an older building in Deira and I’m starting to worry it’s something in the AC ducts or maybe hidden mold, especially with the humidity. I’m trying to decide if I should just take him to a pediatrician at Mediclinic first or if I should hire a professional to test the air quality in our home—does anyone know the typical cost for that kind of inspection in Dubai?
Posted by Soo Le
Asked on March 15, 2026 9:05 am
This is a very common and concerning issue we see in older Deira buildings. Given the persistent nature and the fact it's worse in a specific room, your instinct about the indoor environment is highly probable.

Always see the pediatrician first to rule out any primary medical causes like a lingering virus or childhood asthma. This is a crucial first step. However, the pattern you describe—evening exacerbation in the bedroom—strongly points to an environmental trigger. In the UAE, the combination of older AC systems and high humidity creates a perfect storm for microbial growth in ducts and hidden spaces. The AC can be aerosolizing mold spores, bacteria, or dust mites from the damp ductwork, which your son then breathes in concentrated amounts while he sleeps.

A professional indoor air quality (IAQ) inspection is absolutely warranted. We typically test for VOCs, particulate matter (PM2.5/10), and most critically, microbial contamination (mold/bacteria). The cost for a comprehensive inspection in Dubai can range from AED 1,500 to AED 3,500+, depending on the size of the property and the number of samples required. It's an investment, but it identifies the exact contaminant and its source, which is necessary for a proper remediation plan, not just a guess.

Once you have the pediatrician's all-clear, I strongly recommend a certified inspection. For immediate advice or to book a survey, you can call our team at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide a more precise quote and discuss the process.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 17, 2026 4:27 pm