Reactive Airways Disease (RAD) is a condition that isn’t really a condition. In most cases, the original diagnosis is intended as a temporary label. After six months or once a patient has reached six years of age, if symptoms persist, the condition is generally considered to be asthma. However, a diagnosis of RAD may also come from a lack of medical history or previous symptom presence. Here’s a look at how RAD gets diagnosed.
Diagnosing RAD
Many experts are disillusioned by the wanton use of RAD as an acceptable diagnosis for respiratory illnesses. Some even go so far as to say that just the possession of an inhaler can be enough for some healthcare professionals to decree RAD as the issue. But RAD can’t be the issue, since it is only a pre-disease, not necessarily a disease itself.
Medical History
Your doctor should ask a series of questions intended to help not only deduce if RAD is the appropriate diagnosis, but also to differentiate between asthma and RAD. Questions might include:
- What symptoms are present?
- How long have symptoms persisted?
- Have symptoms been severe enough for an emergency room visit?
- What medications have you used recently?
- Have you been exposed to potential RAD triggers?
Physical Exam
Following this, a physical exam will be necessary. Not only will your doctor examine you, but they may also want to perform further tests that will rule out more serious concerns, like pneumonia, infections, exposure, etc. Mentioning any familial history of similar respiratory conditions can be extremely helpful.
