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Does anyone have Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS)
I have recently started tests to determine if I have Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS). I have googled with limited success as this is described as somewhat dubious. I was in the past diagnosed with severe COPD but my lung functions improved, I am now in the process where PFT test came back Sept 2024 improved from 2021. My DLCO improved from 52% to 80%,DLCO/VA 52% to 91% and VA from 66% to 88%. I am happy but not sure what is going on.
In 2021, I stop taking Ventolin as it was only a limited relief(10 minutes). I was on Symbicort but it did nothing for my shortness of breath or severe migraines. I stop taking Sept 2021. I was diagnosed in spring Mar 2021 with Nocturnal Hypoxemia and was put on oxygen at night. This is when my lungs seem to get better.
In Sept 2018 was exposed to Anhydrous Hydrogen Chloride Gas, I believe this is what caused my health situation but Pulmonologist's did not think so and were putting all their testing to my asbestos exposures/limited smoking. Occupational health Doctor believes it was from the chemical exposure. He compare this to what happened to the responders of 911 twin towers and their health concerns that followed their exposure's. Seemed plausible to me.
If someone has any experience with RADS, I would love to know what to expect and tests that were performed to determine this condition,
Thank you for your time.
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@anhydrous chloride Hello and welcome back to Mayo Connect. It sounds like you are finally on your way to a correct diagnosis, and surely Occupational Health is the place to be.
I was drawn to answer your post because at first I thought RADS might b another term for RAD ((Reactive Airway Disorder) which is what I have, but I learned it is a subset based on exposure to toxic fumes. Unfortunately, it does not seem to be well-recognized or studied, and most people get diagnosed with COPD, like you did.
There is little literature, but here is what I found:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8087388/
As for diagnosis andd treatment, here is what I found:
https://myhealth.ucsd.edu/RelatedItems/3,60072
Maybe someone will see your post who has experienced this first-hand, but it seems like it is usually teated just as you have been. If your new doc suggests different inhalers (or nebulizers) to try, you might want to give them a shot - it took several tries to find the one that helps my reactive airways.
I see that your lung stats have improved over time, have your symptoms gotten better or less frequent?
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1 ReactionHi Sue,
My symptoms have got better but have changed. I at first had severe SOB doing anything. That has changed to only if I lift something heavy or a chemical smell is a trigger. When I get a severe trigger, it only happen two times in the last 2 years. The only thing that helps and thank god I still have is oxygen, I rest with that and in six or seven hours my normal breathing pattern returns. I have had severe migraines for the last 6 and half years that hasn't change. The problem in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada we are loosing health care professionals and it is difficult with all the new people coming to our city to get a experience health care provider. As this is a unique injury it has taken Dr. Niels Koehncke over 6 years to come up with this and he is still in the testing phase. I try to stay positive. If they offer a inhaler that works, I am all in. I can see his problem with having multiple exposures over my career ,you would need someone that has had long term asbestos exposure and multiple chemical exposures and what worked for them. Then again I maybe the only Canary that lived, LOL.
Thank you for the above links, I will read and add them to my collection.
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