Asthma is a health condition that affects the respiratory system. “Reactive airway disease (RAD)” is a more general term for a respiratory condition that causes wheezing or breathing issues.

Although asthma and RAD may share some features, they are different. Asthma is a medical condition, whereas RAD is not.

This article will review the differences between RAD and asthma, their symptoms and causes, how doctors tell these conditions apart, and the treatment options available.

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“RAD” is a general term doctors may use when referring to a condition that causes asthma-like symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. It can result from contact with an irritant such as fumes or smoke.

However, asthma and RAD are not the same thing, and the two terms are not interchangeable. RAD is not a diagnosis, whereas asthma is a defined health condition.

Doctors may sometimes use the term “RAD” when a child is showing signs of asthma but is too young for a formal diagnosis. Diagnosing asthma in children is particularly challenging and tends to rely on symptoms the child or parent reports rather than test results.

Most asthma tests, such as the exhaled nitric oxide test, cannot provide accurate results in children under 5 years old, and this often means that doctors cannot make an asthma diagnosis. Instead, they may say the child has RAD.

Reactive airway dysfunction syndrome (RADS) is another condition that is not the same as reactive airway disease, although it sounds similar.

Asthma and RAD may cause similar symptoms, including:

Learn more about asthma exacerbations.

Both RAD and asthma may develop after an infection or after exposure to certain allergens or other irritants. These triggers can cause an exaggerated immune system response, which can lead to irritation and swelling in the airways. Symptoms such as breathlessness can occur as a result of this reaction.

Triggers that may cause symptoms of asthma or RAD include:

  • dust
  • pollen
  • smoke
  • pet dander or fur
  • mold
  • perfume
  • stress
  • physical activity

Smoking damages the lungs and can therefore increase the risk of developing RAD and asthma. Over time, smoking can also raise the risk of serious lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cancer.

Doctors usually perform similar tests to diagnose asthma or to check whether someone has RAD.

They tend to start by asking questions about a person’s symptoms and medical history and performing a physical examination.

The following tests can also help doctors diagnose asthma or determine whether a person has RAD:

The treatments for asthma and RAD are similar.

Doctors usually prescribe bronchodilators and corticosteroids in the form of inhalers. Pediatricians also commonly prescribe both of these types of medication for children with RAD. These medications help relax the airways and improve airflow, making it easier for a person to breathe.

For more severe forms of asthma, other treatments are available, including:

Learn more about asthma treatments.

Here are some common questions about asthma and reactive airway disease (RAD):

What is the difference between asthma and reactive airway disease?

Asthma is a health condition that doctors can diagnose, while RAD is not. Rather, RAD is a state in which a person experiences asthma-like symptoms, such as shortness of breath or wheezing, after exposure to certain irritants.

What triggers reactive airway disease?

Many irritants can trigger RAD, including smoke, dust, pollen, and pet dander.

Is RAD a form of asthma?

No. Asthma is a form of RAD.

How do you get rid of reactive airways?

Certain medications can help reduce the reactivity of the airways and manage RAD and asthma over time. However, avoiding exposure to known triggers can also reduce the risk of RAD and asthma episodes.

RAD and asthma are not the same. “RAD” is a general term doctors use when referring to a condition that causes asthma-like symptoms but does not qualify for an asthma diagnosis.

Like people with asthma, those with RAD may experience coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath after exposure to certain irritants. Treatments for the two conditions can overlap. For example, bronchodilators and corticosteroids can help manage both RAD and asthma by easing irritation in the airways.