Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS)

Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS):

• Persistence of hyper-reactive airways following acute exposure to a respiratory irritant.
• Typically follows a work-related spill or accident.
• The exposure is usually single & intense.
• Can be thought of as an irritant induced asthma.

RADS Clinical Features:

• Symptoms of airways disease - dyspnoea, wheeze, cough.
• Occurring in patient with no previous history of respiratory disease.
• Symptoms beginning within 24 hours of exposure .
• No latent period of prior 'sensitization'.
• Re-exposure to a low dose of the irritant will typically not trigger asthma.
• In work-related cases, the patient may continue to work in the same building once measures have put in place to avoid exposure.
• Bronchial hyper-reactivity can demonstrated, ie methacholine challenge test.
• Pulmonary function tests may be normal or obstructive.
• The features noted may persist for months to years.

Irritant Agents (Examples):

• Acids
• Ammonia
• Chlorine
• Cleaning agents
• Smoke

Tags: Acids - Ammonia - Asthma - Chlorine - Cleaning Agents - Methacholine Challenge Test - RADS - Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome - Smoke
Posted by Medicalchemy
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