Reactive
Airway Dysfunction Syndrome
Reactive
airway dysfunction syndrome, also known as RADS, is a
condition that causes asthma-like symptoms in a previously
healthy asymptomatic person after a single exposure to
concentrated respiratory irritants. The irritants that can
cause RADS include smoke, dust, chemical vapors and gases.
Symptoms
can include shortness of breath, tightness in the chest,
wheezing and coughing. Symptoms should appear within 24 to
78 hours after exposure and they can persist for days,
weeks, months, or years. The symptoms may become exacerbated
when a person is exposed to environmental stimuli, including
cigarette smoke, cold air, traffic fumes and common
household chemicals.
Treatment
modalities include anti-inflammatories to reduce
inflammation, thereby reducing spontaneous spasm of the
airway and inhaled bronchodilators that increase the
diameter of the air passages. The anti-inflammatory
medication include oral corticosteroids, inhaled
corticosteroids and liquid corticosteroids.
For related information go to:
Respiratory Injuries;
Toxic Exposure.
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