Could garage contents cause persistent coughing?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it might be something more than a common cold. Every night, around 9 PM, their coughing gets worse as if they are trying to clear their lungs. It’s particularly noticeable in our bedroom, which is directly above the garage where we keep some old furniture. We’ve had them checked by a doctor twice now, but they just say it’s allergies and prescribe some medicine, yet the coughing persists. Could there be something else going on in our home that might be causing this?
Posted by Chiara Van den Berg
Asked on December 20, 2025 8:32 am
Indeed, the contents of your garage could indeed be contributing to persistent coughing issues in your kids. In Dubai and the UAE, it's quite common for residents to store old furniture and items under garages, potentially leading to a variety of indoor air quality problems.

Firstly, let's delve into some key factors that might influence this scenario. Old furniture often contains materials like wood, fabric, and foam that can harbor mold spores, dust mites, and other allergens. When stored directly above your bedroom, these substances can be easily disturbed by the settling pattern of indoor air currents, particularly during cooler evening hours as you've observed. The increased humidity in the garage area could further exacerbate mold growth.

In line with UAE-specific regulations, it is paramount to ensure that your living environment complies with local standards for indoor air quality and allergen control. According to the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), maintaining a clean and well-ventilated home is crucial to prevent respiratory issues among family members.

Considering your symptoms persist despite medical attention, I strongly recommend scheduling an independent professional inspection of both the garage area and bedroom. Saniservice.com offers such services with certified environmental scientists who can assess potential allergens and conduct thorough air quality tests. Their expertise will help identify any hidden sources contributing to your children's coughing episodes.

If you decide to proceed with a professional assessment, ensure that the inspectors follow best practices for indoor air quality testing in Dubai. They should use advanced tools like thermal imaging cameras to detect moisture issues indicative of mold growth, and perform comprehensive microbial sampling to pinpoint specific allergens affecting your family’s health.

While waiting for the inspection, take immediate action by sealing off the garage from direct airflow into the bedroom using airtight barriers or fans that push air outward. This can help mitigate any potential irritants without needing extensive renovations.

Remember, in Dubai and many other regions, maintaining a healthy indoor environment is key to preventing respiratory illnesses. Should you have any concerns about your home’s air quality, don't hesitate to reach out for expert guidance.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on December 21, 2025 5:36 pm