Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Which agents cause reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS)? A systematic review
M S Shakeri1, F D Dick, J G Ayres
1Department of Occupational Heath, Province Health Centre, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran.
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|March 1, 2008
Summary
Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS) is often linked to workplace chemical exposures like chlorine. However, studies lack detailed information on causative agents and outcomes, necessitating a structured data collection approach.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Pulmonary Toxicology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS) is a non-immunologic asthma-like condition.
- It is typically triggered by a single, high-level exposure to an irritant gas, fume, or vapor.
- Understanding the causative agents and long-term outcomes is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically identify agents reported to cause reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS).
- To assess the quality of available information regarding exposures, investigations, and outcomes in RADS cases.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted.
- Abstracts were screened for relevance.
- Selected articles were reviewed against predefined diagnostic criteria for RADS.
Main Results:
- Significant information gaps were identified across all assessed measures.
- The causative agent was frequently unreported.
- Commonly reported agents included chlorine, toluene di-isocyanate (TDI), and oxides of nitrogen.
- Most exposures occurred in occupational settings, predominantly affecting men.
- Dyspnea and cough were the most frequent symptoms, with a median duration of 13 months.
Conclusions:
- Chlorine was the most frequently reported agent associated with RADS.
- A general lack of adequate information on exposure, investigation, and patient outcomes was a key finding.
- A more structured approach and a minimum data set are proposed for better RADS case reporting and research.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists
Bronchodilators are critical in managing asthma, a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway constriction due to inflammation and hyper-reactivity. Specifically, bronchodilators ease this constriction by relaxing the bronchial muscles, facilitating easier breathing.
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
01:17Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Lower respiratory tract disorders present challenges that often require skilled and nuanced approaches for effective management. Common ailments, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), have prompted the development of intricate treatment strategies involving bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs, each tailored to ease breathing and revitalize the lungs.
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
01:29Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...