Medical causation of Bronchial Asthma by a single episode of inhaling high concentration of an irritant chemical was first recognised as a separate entity 12 years ago[1].
The reporting clinicians coined the term Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS). Its companion disorder Reactive Upper-airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RUDS) was named later, and the pathological mechanisms for de novo induction of respiratory illness by inhaled substances is still being elucidated[2], [3].
| PRACTICE
POINT A single episode of inhaling high concentration of a toxic chemical may cause permanent Asthma or Rhinitis (nasal allergy) |
These conditions are rare in comparison with the temporary provocation or worsening of symptoms of pre-existing Bronchial Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis (nasal allergy).
A common feature of these diseases is enhanced responsiveness to not only substances triggering an allergic response but also chemical irritants[4].
| PRACTICE
POINT Personal Injury clients often confuse this phenomenon with the much commoner triggering of pre-existing respiratory illness |
Quantum may justify litigating if an initiating exposure is compensable, whereas damages will rarely be sufficient if pre-existing diagnosis of symptoms of Asthma or Rhinitis are documented in the previous medical records.
Copyright © 2008 Electronic Handbook of Legal Medicine