Reactive Airway Disease

Short of Breath, wheezing , feeling like a tight band around your chest? You may have Asthma or Reactive Airway Disease (RAD). This may be diagnosed as a small child or later in life.

This can occur as a cold or alone as allergies may trigger symtoms. Sometimes the airways are so sensitive and twitchy that anything from a different odor or strong odor can cause problems. Smoking around an infant or small child may actually lead to asthma symptoms in the future. People with asthma may find out that they also have Acid Reflux and after that is treated asthma may be controlled.

There are Facts and Myths with asthma. Some may include MYTH: you outgrow asthma FACT: you do not outgrow this disease you have this for life, in your teens as your lung span grows your asthma may appear better. MYTH: you do not need to have an inhaler with you all the time. FACT: you always need to be prepared for a sudden attach , although you may be feeling great ,something could cause a flare up. Make sure your inhaler is up to date. MYTH: you cannot die from an asthma attack . FACT: thousands of people die every year from a sudden attack. They may not have been prepared.

Treatment and prevention are something that everyone should be aware of , If you are diagnosed with allergies as your primary cause then take that seriously and reduce the allergens, cover mattress and pillow, use air filter for your home. Be agressive with keeping dust to a minimum. If you have pets make sure to keep out of the bedroom. Cats are a big culprit of allergies. It will also help to not have carpet in the house or bedroom . Check your house and plumbing for molds. Clean molds with chlorox cleaning products.

If your trigger is smoke, avoid being around areas with smoke, second hand smoke can also cause a major flare. Have a 24 Hour probe done to be checked for acid reflux if it comes back positive you will be put on a medication for this make sure to take everyday as advised to control this. Believe me it will help.

Treatment is usually an antihistamine if allergies are the trigger, an everyday inhaler as a prevention med., possible nose spray to help with the allergens in the sinuses , and of course your rescue inhaler for emergencies. The preventive inhaler will not rescue you if you are having a problem. Always have your rescue inhaler with you and for your children make sure the school or other caregivers know that the child has this problem .

Another prevention this time of year is getting the flu shot. Asthma patients are considered at high risk for the influenza , If you get the flu and have asthma you may end up in the hospital for treatment. We all want to prevent this from happening.

If you are diagnosed with Asthma or RAD get the facts and follow your Doctors advice. Keep it under control so that it will not lead to worse problems as you get older.