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Reactive Airways Disease Syndrome (RADS)

What is RADS? What is the difference between RADS & asthma? I was told RADS is not asthma. Are there different types of asthma?

Thank you.
Terry

Dear Terry:

RADS is an abbreviation for Reactive Airways Disease Syndrome. Most Asthma Specialists understand that this is just another word for asthma. When allergy reactions are the primary cause for asthma, there is a good deal of mucus and inflammation within the lungs. In RADS there is less mucus and inflammation, and just as much "hyperreactive" airways, or ticklish lungs.

So, RADS is asthma with less inflammation compared to a purely allergic case of asthma. Most patients develop RADS after inhaling irritating gases, fumes and vapors or even work place chemicals. Acid fumes, epoxy resins, glutaraldehyde and other reactive chemicals may induce a state of hyper reactive airways in a person who previously had never had any asthma like complaints.

Fortunately, in RADS there is oftentimes a significant improvement in symptoms over time.

I hope this helps you to better understand RADS and asthma.

Steve Kagen, M.D.
Allernet.com