It is an overreaction of the respiratory tract in some people, who are extremely sensitive to everyday substances found in the atmosphere. It causes a decrease in the lumen of the bronchi and bronchioles that prevents the normal passage of air to the pulmonary alveoli where gas exchange takes place.
Among the usual causes are: environmental substances (pollen, fumes, dust mites, mold, animal hair, cold temper-atures and medications such as aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
It manifests with difficulty to breathe, wheezing sounds, choking sensation, and coughing.
The diagnosis is clinical, through interrogation and physical examination. If there is a suspicion of infection, a blood test and a chest X-ray will be performed to study the cause.
The main objective of treatment is to avoid the trigger cause. To improve the passage of air through the respiratory tract, drugs such as inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids will be used.
- Catherine Lemière, MD. LouisPhilippe Boulet, MD. André Cartier, MD. Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome and irritant-induced asthma. UpToDate. Feb 02, 2016.
- Charles G Irvin, PhD, FERS. Bronchoprovocation testing. UpToDate. Jun 03, 2016.
- Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention, Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) 2015. www.ginasthma.org
- National Asthma Education and Prevention Program: Expert panel report III: Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma. Bethesda, MD: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2007. (NIH publication no. 084051). www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/asthgdln.htm.
