Reactive airway disease

Reactive Airway Disease (RAD) is a term used in the medical field to describe a condition with symptoms similar to that of asthma. The term is often used when doctors are hesitant to diagnose a patient with asthma, usually because the patient is under the age of 6 and it is difficult to accurately diagnose asthma in young children.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of Reactive Airway Disease are similar to those of asthma and can include:

Causes[edit | edit source]

The exact cause of Reactive Airway Disease is unknown, but it is thought to be triggered by an infection or exposure to certain environmental factors. These can include:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosing Reactive Airway Disease can be difficult, especially in young children. Doctors will usually base their diagnosis on the patient's symptoms and medical history. They may also perform a Pulmonary function test to measure how well the lungs are working.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for Reactive Airway Disease usually involves managing the symptoms. This can include:

Bronchodilators to help open the airways
Steroids to reduce inflammation in the lungs
Avoiding triggers that can cause symptoms to worsen

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for Reactive Airway Disease varies. Some children may outgrow their symptoms, while others may go on to be diagnosed with asthma.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Reactive airway disease Resources
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