How is Reactive Airway Disease (RAD) primarily diagnosed?

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Reactive Airway Disease (RAD) is primarily diagnosed through clinical evaluation. This involves taking a comprehensive medical history and performing a physical examination, where the healthcare provider assesses signs and symptoms associated with reactive airway conditions, such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. The clinician often looks for occurrences of these symptoms in response to specific triggers, such as allergens, exercise, or respiratory infections.

While lung function tests and laboratory tests can provide supportive information and help rule out other conditions, they are not the primary means of diagnosing RAD. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans, do not typically contribute to the diagnosis of RAD, as the diagnosis is fundamentally based on clinical presentation rather than anatomical findings. Therefore, the clinical approach is central to identifying and managing reactive airway disease effectively.

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