Is your little one having trouble breathing? Let's talk about Reactive Airway Disease (RAD)!

Does anyone in your home, perhaps your own little one, or even yourself, suddenly have a persistent cough that makes it hard to breathe, feels like your chest is constricting, and is often the cause of wheezing? Sometimes a doctor might say, "This could be `Reactive Airway Disease` or `RAD`" when they see these symptoms. So you might be thinking, "Oh, what is this new disease?" Don't worry, today we'll talk about what `RAD` is, how it develops, what are the symptoms, and what are the treatments, in a simple way that you can understand.

What exactly is Reactive Airway Disease (RAD)?

Simply put, `Reactive Airway Disease (RAD)` is not a disease that has been confirmed as a disease, nor is it given a specific name. It is more of a temporary name. Doctors use this term when you or your child have asthma-like breathing problems, but the exact cause cannot be found.

Think about it, our lungs have small tube-like structures that take air in and out (we call these bronchial tubes), and when those tubes become swollen and narrow, it becomes difficult to breathe. This is what happens in RAD.

It is important to note that `Reactive Airway Disease (RAD)` and `Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS)` are two different conditions. Although the names are somewhat similar, these two conditions should not be confused. `RADS` is a condition that usually occurs after a sudden, high level of exposure to a toxic gas.

So, when a doctor says `RAD`, it means, "Yes, there is something wrong with your respiratory system, and we need to do more tests to find out exactly what it is." Sometimes you hear doctors use the words `RAD` and `Asthma` interchangeably, but they don't mean the same thing. `RAD` is just a temporary name used until a definitive diagnosis is made.

What are the symptoms of RAD? How do you feel?

A person with RAD may experience symptoms such as:

• Persistent cough: This cough may also be accompanied by phlegm.
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (dyspnea): A feeling of being unable to breathe and having to work hard to breathe.
• Wheezing: A "whooshing" or "whooshing" sound coming from the chest when breathing.
• Chest tightness: A feeling of heaviness, as if someone is pressing on your chest.

These symptoms can make you feel very uncomfortable. The main symptoms are chest tightness and difficulty breathing.

What are the triggers for RAD?

There are a number of reasons why doctors may be experiencing difficulty breathing, which is temporarily referred to as `RAD.' Some of them include:

• Allergies: Being allergic to things like dust, pollen, certain foods, and animal fur. Just think, some little ones get a sudden wheezing attack when they smell dust or go near a cat, right? That's how it is.
• Bacterial or viral infections: Infections such as the flu, colds, and pneumonia can cause the airways to swell.
• Chemical fumes, perfumes, or fumes: Things like some strong perfumes, insecticide fumes, and vapors from cleaning liquids.
• Smoke: Any type of smoke, such as cigarette smoke, wood stove smoke, and vehicle smoke.
• Exercise: Some people may experience shortness of breath during exercise.
• Weather changes: Sudden exposure to cold winds, extreme heat, being in a humid environment, sudden changes in weather.

These are the things that mainly contribute to the symptoms of RAD.

How long does RAD last? Will it be completely cured?

This is hard to say for sure. The reason is that `RAD` is a temporary name, and the recovery time depends on the underlying disease. Once a doctor has found the exact cause of your symptoms and prescribed the right medication, they will tell you how long it will take for you to feel better.

Who is most affected by this RAD condition?

In fact, a doctor can call anyone who has difficulty breathing, but the cause is not clear. However, this term is often used for babies and young children who are too young to have a lung function test. This is because the child needs a certain level of understanding and support to do these tests. Because it is difficult for young babies to do this, doctors temporarily call it `RAD` based on the symptoms.

How is RAD diagnosed?

If you or your child is having trouble breathing, or if you have a persistent cough, be sure to see a doctor. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms and your medical history, such as whether anyone in your family has a history of asthma.

Then, the doctor will examine you. Specifically, he will listen to your lungs using a stethoscope (auscultation). This will allow the doctor to get an idea of ​​what sounds are heard inside the lungs and whether there is any obstruction when air is passed. After this initial examination, the doctor will recommend several more tests to confirm the diagnosis.

What are the tests for this?

To find the exact cause of shortness of breath, a doctor may perform several tests, such as:

• Spirometry: This is the most common lung function test. It measures how much air you can breathe in and out quickly. It can help determine if there is any blockage in your airways.
• Imaging tests: These are painless tests that help look at the inside of your lungs, heart, and bones.
• Chest X-ray: To check for lung infections and other problems.
• Echocardiogram (echo): Checks the function of the heart. Some shortness of breath can also be caused by heart disease.
• CT scan (CT scan - Computed Tomography scan): Get clearer, more detailed images of the lungs and chest.
• Blood tests: A small amount of blood is taken from a small needle and tested to see if there are any infections, allergies, or signs of inflammation inside the body.
• Skin prick test: This test is done to find out if you are allergic to something. A small amount of various allergens is applied to a small area of ​​the skin and the skin is tested for a reaction.
• ECG (ECG or EKG - Electrocardiogram): This tests the electrical activity of your heart. This can help rule out heart disease as the cause of your shortness of breath.
• Pulse oximetry: This is a small clip-like device that you put on your finger. It measures the level of oxygen in your blood.
• Exercise testing: This checks to see if your blood oxygen levels decrease when you exercise.

All of these tests are done to find the exact cause of your symptoms.

How is RAD treated?

Because `RAD` is a temporary label, it is treated based on the underlying diagnosis. This means that the doctor will first need to determine whether your breathing difficulties are caused by asthma, an infection, or another condition.

However, in an emergency, meaning if breathing becomes very difficult, doctors may use treatments like these:

• Bronchodilators: These are what we call inhalers. These medications work by widening the narrowed airways, making it easier to breathe. They are commonly used for conditions like asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
• Oxygen therapy: This helps provide the body with the necessary amount of oxygen when breathing is difficult.
• Epinephrine injection: This is given in the event of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or a severe asthma attack.
• Corticosteroids: These medications reduce inflammation in the lungs. They are used to treat asthma, COPD, and severe allergies.

Does Albuterol help with RAD?

Albuterol is also a type of bronchodilator. It is a medication that dilates the airways. It is used to treat asthma, COPD, and exercise-induced bronchospasm. However, if the cause of RAD is something else, this alone will not cure it. It is important to find the exact cause and treat it.

Can RAD be prevented?

You can do these things to reduce your risk of developing RAD symptoms:

• Stay away from allergens and triggers that are known to be harmful to you. For example, if you are allergic to dust, stay in areas with less dust and keep your home well-cleaned.
• Use medications that prevent airway swelling (if prescribed by a doctor) properly.
• If you smoke, quit completely and avoid spending time in places where others smoke.
• If working with chemicals, wear a mask or other respiratory protective equipment.

If you have RAD, what should you expect? What will happen in the future?

If a doctor tells you that you have `RAD`, it means that you are having difficulty breathing, but the exact cause is not yet known . Don't worry. The doctor will examine you, run the necessary tests, and try to find the cause. Only then can the right treatment be started.

Sometimes, your family doctor may refer you to a lung specialist (pulmonologist) .

Your recovery and disease management depend on an accurate diagnosis. Some conditions can be completely cured. Others (like COPD) can be chronic and progressive.

When should you see a doctor? When should you go to an Emergency Department (ETU) ?

If you have symptoms of RAD (cough, wheezing, chest tightness), or if your symptoms do not improve despite treatment, be sure to see a doctor.

However, in such a situation, immediately go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) , or call 1990:

• If you are having a hard time breathing (even when you look at it, you can see that it is very difficult to breathe).
• If there is no relief despite using medication for breathing difficulties (e.g. inhaler).
• If the oxygen level in the blood appears low (like lips and fingernails turning blue).
• If you are showing signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), this means:
• Severe difficulty breathing.
• Sudden drop in blood pressure.
• Lip swelling.
• Sudden weakness.
• Loss of consciousness (syncope) or fainting.
• Confusion (not understanding what you are doing or where you are).

At times like this, don't delay at all. Seek medical advice immediately.

What questions should I ask the doctor?

When you go to see the doctor, you can ask questions like these so you can get a better understanding of your condition.

• What is the cause of my `Reactive Airway Disease` condition?
• Is there a complete cure for this condition?
• What can I do to make my breathing easier?
• What medications do you recommend?
• How exactly should this medicine be used? (e.g., if it is an inhaler, how to use it correctly).
• Do I need to see a pulmonologist?

What is the difference between RAD, asthma, and COPD?

These names are a bit confusing. Let's remind ourselves again:

• Reactive Airway Disease (RAD): This is a temporary name. It means that there is something wrong with the respiratory system, but the exact cause is not yet known.
• Asthma: This is a specific disease. It is a long-term condition. It causes swelling and narrowing of the airways. Sometimes, there may be an excess of mucus.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): This is also a name for a specific group of diseases. It includes several long-term diseases that affect the lungs, make it difficult to breathe, and gradually worsen over time (e.g. chronic bronchitis, emphysema).

So, a doctor may initially call `COPD` symptoms `RAD`, until a proper diagnosis is made.

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

You may now understand that `Reactive Airway Disease (RAD)` is not a specific diagnosis. However, it is not wrong for a doctor to use this term. It simply means that the cause of your breathing difficulties is not yet known, and a definitive diagnosis cannot be given until the necessary tests have been safely performed .

If you or your child has any of these symptoms, don't panic and see a doctor. He or she will give you the guidance you need. If your family doctor can't diagnose the condition, ask for a referral to a lung specialist (Pulmonologist).

The most important thing is to get the right diagnosis and start the right treatment. Then you can recover quickly.

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