There are many different ways to identify the signs, most are very similar to asthma. Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath. However there are other signs such as "Belly Breathing." Breathing is usually associated with the raising and falling of ones chest, on the other hand, there is "Belly Breathing." Belly breathing is where the stomach (diaphragm muscles) raise and fall. This is fine as long as it is in time with the normal breaths and not contradicting the chest. Over time a child with RAD may cause a spread diaphragm, this happens with RAD children because they are overworking the muscle which is located between the lungs and the intestines. In case you are unsure what to look for to determine whether your child is a belly breather, here is a video:
This is one of the hardest things to have to deal with. However if your child does have RAD, its better to find out sooner than later. Get your child the help they need before it becomes to severe and the damage cannot be reversed.
Every child is different. I can only speak of what I know. As of right now, my son uses a nebulizer machine. He is suppose to take two treatments of Budesonide (generic Pulmicort) and three treatments of Xopenex (Generic Albuteral) per day. In case of an episode I am to give him up to three treatments of Xopenex back to back. In other words one right after another (checking his status in between each). If the belly breathing does not subside I am then to give him one and half teaspoons of Prednisolone (steroid medication that aids in opening the airway). I know this sounds like alot, but my son is 5 years old and weighs 56 pounds as well as being 1 inch shy of four feet tall. Again each child is different and dosages vary according to height and weight. If this series of medication works, then we visit the doctor in the morning. If it does not. . . then off to the hospital we go.
**Call an ambulance! There is no equipment to help your child in your personal vehicle. **
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