Diagnosis of<unk>  is not common as it requires the examination of the patient's sputum for a definitive diagnosis, which can be difficult in those who present with a dry cough. In order to induce the sputum, the patient has to inhale increasing concentrations of hypertonic saline solution. If this is unavailable, a bronchoalveolar lavage can be done, and the bronchial wash fluid can be examined for eosinophils. The diagnosis is usually considered later by ruling out other life-threatening conditions or more common diagnoses such as asthma and GERD, and by seeing an improvement in symptoms with inhaled corticosteroid treatment. Chest X-rays and lung function tests are usually normal. CT scans may show some diffuse airway wall thickening.
Eosinophilic bronchitis
Plastic bronchitis
Mineral dust airway disease
Acute eosinophilic pneumonia
Bronchiectasis
Eosinophilic pneumonia
Acute bronchitis
Diffuse panbronchiolitis