He estimated how many species of insects lived on each plant species in England, and then extrapolated that figure across the whole planet. âIf we say 400,000, we shall, perhaps, not be very wide of the truth,â he wrote. Today, scientists know the Westwood figure is far too low.
Symptoms: A chronic dry cough that's worse at night, disturbing sleep, and sometimes with wheezing and shortness of breath. Causes: An irritating night cough is often the first sign of asthma, especially in children, but you can develop it at any age. It's also a sign asthma is worsening or not being well controlled.
Chronic dry coughs are usually caused by irritation from cigarette smoke, environmental irritants, allergies, postnasal drip, or asthma. Several chronic lung diseases also cause a dry, hacking cough. Some people cough out of habit for no clear reason. Gastric reflux may also cause a chronic dry cough. Usually you will also have other symptoms, such as heartburn, burning in the throat, or increased saliva.