Difference Between Asthma and Reactive Airway Disease

Sometimes the terms "reactive airway disease" and "asthma" are used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Often, the term "reactive airway disease" is used when asthma is suspected, but not yet confirmed. Reactive airway disease in children is a general term that doesn't indicate a specific diagnosis.

1. What is a reactive airway disease?
2. Is reactive airway disease serious?
3. What is reactive airway disease in adults?
4. What causes reactive airway disease?
5. How do you calm a reactive airway?
6. How long does it take for reactive airway disease to go away?
7. Can you grow out of reactive airway disease?
8. What type of doctor treats reactive airway disease?
9. Is reactive airway disease a disability?
10. Can mold cause reactive airway?
11. How do I open my airways?
12. Is asthma a rad?

What is a reactive airway disease?

People with reactive airway disease have bronchial tubes that overreact to some sort of irritant. The term is most commonly used to describe a person who is wheezing or having a bronchial spasm, but who has not yet been diagnosed with asthma.

Is reactive airway disease serious?

Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome is a controversial and poorly understood condition produced by inhalational injury from gas, vapors, or fumes. The symptoms mimic asthma, but appear unresponsive to asthma treatments. If symptoms persist for more than 6 months, there is a risk that they can become chronic.

What is reactive airway disease in adults?

Reactive airway disease (RAD) is a term used to refer to respiratory conditions in which the bronchial tubes in the lungs overreact to an irritant, triggering wheezing and shortness of breath. These include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and certain bronchial infections.

What causes reactive airway disease?

RAD occurs when your bronchial tubes, which bring air into your lungs, overreact to an irritant, swell, and cause breathing problems. Reactive airway disease is often diagnosed in young children who are showing signs of asthma but who are too young to have lung function testing that can confirm an asthma diagnosis.

How do you calm a reactive airway?

This typically involves taking medication to control symptoms in the long-term and using an inhaler to relieve attacks. If a person has reactive airway disease but the underlying cause is unknown, the best way to reduce symptoms is to avoid the irritant. Allergy medication, such as antihistamines, may also help.

How long does it take for reactive airway disease to go away?

Reactive airway disease is a term that may be used for a one-time event or until a more specific diagnosis can be made. If the condition lasts more than 6 months, it may be called asthma.

Can you grow out of reactive airway disease?

Your child's healthcare provider may say that your child has virus-induced asthma or RAD. Your child's symptoms may go away as he gets older, or he may have asthma, or another breathing disorder, later in life.

What type of doctor treats reactive airway disease?

An allergist is a pediatrician or internist who has taken additional training to qualify as a specialist in allergy and immunology. An allergist specializes in allergies, asthma, and allergic asthma.

Is reactive airway disease a disability?

By rating decision dated in July 2005, the RO increased the disability rating for the veteran's reactive airway disease from noncompensable to 10 percent disabling effective July 19, 2004, the day after the veteran's discharge from service.

Can mold cause reactive airway?

There have been many attempts in recent years to link exposure to toxigenic mold with a number of serious diseases and injuries, including infant lung hemorrhaging, cancer, brain damage, and other cognitive deficiencies, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, reactive airway dysfunction syndrome ("RADS"), and various ...

How do I open my airways?

Inhale moist air

Inhaling moist air or steam works similarly to drinking warm liquids. It can help loosen up congestion and mucus in your airways, making it easier to breath. Take a hot, steamy shower with the door closed or use a humidifier at home.

Is asthma a rad?

RAD is not a diagnosis but a description of the primary symptom of asthma. Saying “RAD” rather than “asthma” is akin to saying “dry, itchy skin disease” in lieu of eczema.