What is the difference between airway hyperresponsiveness and asthma?

Airway hyperresponsiveness is an excessive and premature contraction of the airway in response to a variety of stimuli. It is characterized by constriction of the airway after external stimuli causing coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. Bronchial asthma can be diagnosed if the airway hyperresponsiveness is accompanied by a positive bronchial provocation test. Of course, airway hyperresponsiveness can also be characteristic of different diseases, including asthma.