It is also sometimes referred to as reactive airways disease syndrome (RADS).

This article describes the symptoms that fall under the umbrella of reactive airway disease.

It also explains the possible causes of RAD and how those conditions are diagnosed and treated.

Potential Causes of Reactive Airway Disease (RAD)

Verywell / Katie Kerpel

Verywell / Katie Kerpel

What Are the Symptoms of Reactive Airway Disease?

Depending on the severity of exposure, the symptoms can last from minutes to hours and even days.

There are other definitions of RAD.

The lack of a clear definition has led some to call for the abandonment of the term altogether.

What Causes Reactive Airway Disease?

The shortlist of conditions that meet that definition includes:

Reactive vs.

Restrictive Lung Disease

Reactive airway disease should not be confused withrestrictive lung disease.

How Is Reactive Airway Disease Treated?

There are no treatment guidelines for reactive airway disease.

Based on the current definition, it is a term most commonly applied to emergency situations.

Even when used in pediatrics, RAD indicates symptoms are strongly suggestive of asthma.

Brooks SM, Weiss MA, Bernstein I.Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS).Chest.

2016;139(1).

2013:105-118. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-38919-1_5

Pilcher J, Beasley R.Acute use of oxygen therapy.Aust Prescr.

Published 2018 Jun 20. doi:10.2147/JAA.S159400