Question: What is the Difference Between RADS and IIA?
Answer: Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS) and Irritant-Induced Asthma (IIA) are occupational lung ailments caused by the inhalation of such irritants as smoke, dust, gases, chemicals, and vapors. Both conditions cause non-allergic symptoms - coughing, wheezing, tightness of the chest, and breathlessness. However, the difference between the two lies in the exposure time period.
Symptoms of both conditions generally appear within 24 hours after exposure to these irritants has terminated. However, symptoms of IIA only appear after the person has been exposed to the irritant for several days, or longer.
If symptoms occur more than 24 hours after exposure to these irritants, a diagnosis of either RADS or IIA would not be accurate.
Source: toxicology.leadingexperts.com
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