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

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

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness

Causes

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:

• Viral infections
• Allergens
• Air pollution
• Cold air
• Exercise

Diagnosis

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

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

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

• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Bronchitis

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