“Is reactive airway disease contagious?”
My friend's son was diagnosed with reactive airway disease, and he's just 7 years old. Is this disease contagious? Can you explain to me what this disease involves?
3 Answers
This is not contagious. It involves the breathing tubes called the Bronchi.
Reactive airway disease is an allergy and/or inflammatory reaction of the airway to triggers such as vapors, fumes, smoke, etc. It is not contagious. Symptoms are similar to asthma. It can be treated. Some kids do not get better, though, and can develop asthma.
Reactive airway disease is another way of saying, "asthma." Typically, wheezing is called "reactive airway disease" when it is not constant and it is triggered by certain exposures. Reactive airways "close down" when they get irritated by a virus, cold air, exercise, or inhaled irritants. This causes a characteristic "wheezing" sound and some coughing or trouble
catching the breath. It is not contagious. It is very common. It is typically treated with inhaled medications. For people who have mild reactive airway disease, they may only need to take an inhaler when they catch a cold. Sometimes it helps to avoid things that trigger wheezing, such as wearing a scarf when the air temperature is very low.
catching the breath. It is not contagious. It is very common. It is typically treated with inhaled medications. For people who have mild reactive airway disease, they may only need to take an inhaler when they catch a cold. Sometimes it helps to avoid things that trigger wheezing, such as wearing a scarf when the air temperature is very low.
