<unk>  <unk>  is an informal label that physicians apply to patients with symptoms similar to those of asthma. An exact definition of the condition does not exist. Individuals who are typically labeled as having<unk>  generally have a history of wheezing, coughing, dyspnea, and production of sputum that may or may not be caused by asthma. Symptoms may also include, but are not limited to, coughing, shortness of breath, excess mucus in the bronchial tube, swollen mucous membrane in the bronchial tube, and/or hypersensitive bronchial tubes. Physicians most commonly label patients with<unk>  when they are hesitant about formally diagnosing a patient with asthma, which is most prevalent in the pediatric setting. While some physicians may use<unk>  and asthma synonymously, there is controversy over this usage. More generally, there is controversy over the use of<unk>  as a label in the healthcare setting, largely due to the ambiguous definition that the term has. Since<unk>  is not recognized as a real clinical diagnosis, its meaning is highly inconsistent and may cause confusion and misdiagnosis within the medical community. There are also concerns with overtreatment and undertreatment with<unk>  amongst physicians, since there is little formality with the label. Other problems that healthcare workers have with the use of the<unk>  label include its exclusion in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, which can lead to billing issues in hospitals and other health care facilities, and the creation of a fabricated sense of security when using it has a diagnosis.<unk>  can be confused with<unk>  airways dysfunction syndrome, an asthma-like disorder that results from high exposure to vapors, fumes, and/or smoke. Unlike<unk> ,<unk>  airways dysfunction syndrome is recognized by multiple societies as a real clinical syndrome, including the American Thoracic Society and the American College of Chest Physicians.
Reactive airway disease
Mineral dust airway disease
Asthma
Brittle asthma
Cardiac asthma
Thunderstorm asthma
Upper airway resistance syndrome
Plastic bronchitis