Reactive Airway Disease: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Reactive airway disease refers to any condition associated with wheezing and allergic reaction. The condition is often confused with asthma which in turn tends results in misdiagnosis and under treatment of the underlying condition, especially among the pediatric age group.

Reactive Airway Disease

Since the symptoms associated with the condition are similar to those of asthma it is difficult to be diagnosed effectively. Reactive airway disease in adults is caused due to inflammation and swelling of the air passages which in turn results in increase production of mucus (sputum). The condition results in shortness of breath.

Symptoms Of Reactive Airway Disease

The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Illness indicates that the term ‘reactive airway disease’ is highly non-specific and doesn’t have a clinical meaning. However, there is considerable amount of conflict within the medical community with regards to this nomenclature.

The symptoms associated with this condition include acute and extreme shortness of breath, sensation of tightness in the chest, wheezing with the production of sputum, blood stained sputum production, etc.

Reactive Airway Disorder Causes And Treatment

The cause of the condition is normally exposure to some form of irritant and the treatment primarily comprises of use of bronchodilators and also avoiding the irritant.

A healthy diet, which aids in improving the overall immunity of an individual, also plays a crucial role in the effective management of the condition.