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Symptoms of Reactive Airway Disease

Batul Nafisa Baxamusa
Reactive airway disease (RAD) is often confused with asthma. They both are characterized by symptoms such as, wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. This Story will give you a brief information on this condition.
Most of the time, people tend to use the terms 'reactive airway disease' and 'asthma' interchangeably. However, both these conditions are very different. Usually, RAD is the terminology used for children who display breathing difficulties due to an infection.
Many a time, it is difficult to determine if a child actually has asthma or not, probably because the child is too young (less than 6 years of age). When asthma is unconfirmed, it is diagnosed as RAD. However, not all symptoms may be associated with asthma.
The development of asthma-like symptoms that lead to a hyper responsiveness in the airway due to presence of allergens, environmental pollutants, or respiratory irritants is called reactive airway disease. The body releases mediators such as, cytokine, eosinophil, heparin, histamine, lymphocyte, etc., in response to the irritants or allergens.
These mediators induce pulmonary edema, excessive mucus, and bronchospasm. All these factors lead to problematic symptoms which are discussed in the following paragraph.

Symptoms

The prominent symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Dry cough, chest retractions, and flaring up of nostrils with each breath may also occur. Many experience 'early signs' that warn them that an episode is going to begin. These signs may be, irritability―when one just doesn't feel right―retractions, sweating, hunched shoulders, pale skin, fatigue, and glassy eyes.
It is important to note these initial symptoms so that proper action may be taken in time. Each person may have different ways in which the body indicates the onset of an attack. In case of children, parents must observe these carefully to avoid severe complications.

Causes

The most common causes include allergies and infections. The elements listed below may trigger this condition.
  • Dust
  • Mildew
  • Changes in weather
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Burning wood smoke
  • Pollen
  • Strong perfume or odor
  • Stress
  • Pets
  • Excessive physical activity

Treatment

RAD is difficult to diagnose due to its similarity to asthma. However, it is very important to differentiate between the two, as the treatment methods involved are different. The doctor may advise pulmonary function tests or bronchial challenge test for diagnosis. Anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to help relieve the symptoms.
One needs to stay away from pollutants, smoke, chemicals, etc., that may trigger an attack. Drinking warm liquids will help thinning the mucus, thereby providing relief. Drinking cold liquids, milk, and consumption of dairy products may thicken the mucus. Hence, these should be avoided.
In children, this disease may develop into asthma during their adulthood. In adults, this condition may become chronic, causing the respiratory tract to swell and become inflamed.
Disclaimer: This Story is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a replacement for expert medical advice.