National Asthma Educator Certification Board (NAECB) Practice Exam

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A 12-year-old boy with asthma is experiencing increased coughing at night. What is a common reason for this?

  1. Environmental allergens

  2. Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction

  3. Medication adherence

  4. Fast food consumption

The correct answer is: Environmental allergens

Increased coughing at night in a child with asthma is often attributed to exposure to environmental allergens. During the night, children can encounter various allergens within their home environment, such as dust mites, pet dander, mold, or pollen that may have entered the home. These allergens can trigger asthma symptoms, leading to increased airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction, which presents as coughing. Nighttime cough is a common symptom of asthma exacerbations and is often linked to the body's natural circadian rhythm, which can also affect hormone levels and respiratory functioning during sleep. Understanding the role of environmental factors is crucial for managing asthma, especially since controlling exposure to allergens can significantly improve a child's symptoms and overall asthma management. The other choices do not directly correlate with the specific pattern of nighttime coughing experienced by the child. For instance, while exercise-induced bronchoconstriction can cause symptoms during physical activity, it would not typically manifest primarily at night. Medication adherence is essential in asthma management, but if the medication regimen is followed, this problem may not lead to specific nighttime symptoms. Diet, such as fast food consumption, might be related to overall health and asthma management, but it is less commonly associated with triggering nighttime cough directly compared to environmental allergens.