Some symptoms of reactive airway disease:
- Wheezing
- Feeling short of breath
- Fast , shallow breathing
- Dry Cough ( worse at night )
- Nostril flaring with each breath
- Chest retractions (skin pulls in between ribs with each breath)
During a Reactive Airway episode three things happen:
- Bronchospasm (muscles around the airway branches tighten)
- Edema (swelling of mucous membranes)
- Hypersecretion (Mucous membranes produce more mucus)
These changes make the airways narrow, so breathing is more difficult.
Causes of Reactive Airway Disease:
- Triggers such as:
........o Allergies
....... o Colds/Illnesses
....... o Animal Dander / Dust mites / Cockroach ...........droppings
....... o Weather Changes / Cold air / Pollution / Wind ....... ......../ High humidityo Dust / Molds
....... o Environmental Allergens (seasonal with pollen ...........levels)
....... o Smoke (incense, candles, fireplaces)
....... o Strong odors, Perfumes, air fresheners.
....... o Physical activity, Stress and Emotions
Treatment:
- Early treatment is key in reducing progression of disease.
- Your health care provider will guide custom tailored care for your child.
- Possible prescription for breathing treatments or inhaler, that opens up airways for better airflow.
- Possible prescription for steroids treatments for several days. Steroids help reduce swelling in the airways.
Prevention:
- Avoid or reduce Triggers.
- Take your preventative medication!
- Do not allow anyone to smoke around your child
- Avoid vacuuming around child or wait a few hours after vacuuming.
- Sulfites in food (Shrimp, Dried Fruit, Processed Potatoes)
Other things that might help reduce reactive airway disease:
.......o Increase Omega 3 fatty acids in diet (Fish or ..........flax seeds)
.......o If overweight, try decreasing excess weight ..........will improve breathing.
"Reactive airway disease" is a general term and does not indicate a specific diagnosis. It may be used to describe a history of coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath due to undetermined cause. These signs and symptoms may or may not be caused by asthma. Time or further testing will tell.
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