What is Reactive Airway Disease (RAD)/ Reactive Airway Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS)?

Reactive Airways Disease (RAD) or Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS) involves the development of an asthma-like condition resulting from airway hyper-responsiveness to allergens and/or environmental pollutants/respiratory irritants. RADS is believed to be caused by exposure to irritants.

In response to environmental irritants or allergens, our body releases mediators such as cytokines, eosinophils, heparin, histamine, interleukins, leukotrienes, lymphocytes, and tryptase.

The toxicity caused by the above mediators result in pulmonary induce edema, excessive mucous secretion, and bronchospasm. The net result of the above is respiratory impairment, a condition known as reactive airways disease.

Reactive Airway Disease (RAD) / Reactive Airway Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS) Symptoms:

RAD/RADS symptoms may include: allergens, cockroaches, cystic fibrosis, dust mites, gastroesophageal fistula, viral/bacterial infection, mediastinal mass, molds, animal hair, pet dander, pollen, shortness of breath, strong emotions, sudden changes in the weather, tightness in the chest, tobacco smoke, trespiratory syncytial virus (RSV), wheezing, aspirin and other medications.

Reactive Airway Disease (RAD) Treatment:

Treatment of Reactive Airway Disease (RAD) usually includes Oxygen therapy, FEV1 by spirometry, hydration with isotonic fluids, corticosteroids, positive pressure ventilation (PPV), intermittent positive airway pressure (IPAP), and use of mechanical ventilator.

Reactive Airway Disease Prognosis, RADS Survival Rates:

Patients that seek timely medical help often have excellent recovery. Some patients do experience ongoing night-time symptoms, and may intermittetly develop acute symptoms for some time. Some patients that are prescribed corticosteroids may develop steroid dependency. Mortality rates related to the Reactive Airway Disease are on the rise despite the new advances that have been made in medical sciences during the recent times.

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