Reactive airway disease is a term used to describe a set of symptoms that indicate a person is having a bronchial spasm. This is a reaction in their airway that needs further investigation. A bronchial spasm happens when the bronchial tubes (airway) is irritated by something. Reactive airways disease (RAD) is a term used to describe breathing problems in children up to 5 years old. It is common for infants and children to cough and wheeze when they have a cold. ... Your child's symptoms may go away as he gets older, or he may have asthma, or another breathing disorder, later in life.