RADS-Definition and Criteria

 DEFINITION:

RADS (Reactive airway dysfunction syndrome) is characterized by the onset of asthma symptoms within 24 hours after a single, most often accidental, high level exposure to a wide variety of irritant substances in subjects without pre-existing asthma.

DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA:

1. Absence of pre-existing asthma symptoms or a history of asthma in remission

2. Onset of asthma symptoms after a single specific inhalational exposure or accident

3. Exposure to an irritant vapor, gas, fume or smoke in a very high concentration

4. Onset of asthma symptoms within minutes to hours and less than 24 hours after the exposure

5. Presence of airflow limitation with a significant bronchodilator response or non specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness to histamine or methacholine

6. Exclusion of other pulmonary disorders that can explain the symptoms or simulate asthma.

REFERENCE: Murray and Nadel's Textbook of respiratory medicine, Seventh Edition, Page number 1404