Reactive airways disease (RAD) might be better explained as a gateway condition to asthma. Both illnesses involve overactive bronchi that respond strongly to certain triggers, causing excessive coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and mucus production.
When RAD is present for more than six months or once the child is over six years of age (the point at which testing becomes most accurate), it may be re-diagnosed and treated as asthma. In the meantime, here are some common treatments for RAD.
RAD Medications
Corticosteroids can be used in the form of an inhaler. These medications, like most steroids, are great for reducing inflammation. Bronchodilators will also help keep the airways open. While corticosteroids reduce inflammation, bronchodilators actually expand the passageways. These too are generally used in inhaler form. Other inflammation controllers include mast cell stabilizers or leukotriene inhibitors; a combination of these three may be appropriate in some situations as well.
RAD Trigger Control
One of the most important aspects of controlling RAD is to reduce your exposure to triggers—things like dust, smoke, pollen, pets, and perfumes that initiate symptoms. Once you know what your triggers are, take the time to make sure exposure is as minimized as much as possible. Keep windows closed, avoid smoke (whether cigarette or bonfire), don’t let pets in the house, and avoid chemicals and other strong smelling agents that disagree with your condition.
RAD Alternative Treatments
Getting plenty of exercise can be important to maintaining vascular health. It also prevents obesity, which can lead to RAD or asthma as well. Wear a mask in exceptionally cold weather or when you know you're going up against your triggers. Breathing exercises may not only help strengthen the vascular system, but also help you control your breathing during periods of high stress (which may induce RAD episodes).
Joining a support group may also be helpful, since respiratory diseases can be a lifelong battle. Knowing that there are others going through the same thing as you can be helpful, not only by providing alternate options for treatment, but also by soothing you mentally.
