My 4 year old was first diagnosed with wheeze at 18 months, we spent most nights awake with him for several hours as he was unable to lie down and get his breath. This had a significant effect on his learning and cognitive development, and he fell behind on his language. From the age of three he has been treated for asthma and started sleeping at night. Since then he has been catching up in time for starting school. His attacks are worse when air pollution levels are high. Today is a moderate level for air pollution and as he is sitting playing next to me he is wheezing.