title: Upper airways obstruction presenting as asthma--three case histories.
abstract: Distinguishing an acute asthmatic attack from upper airways obstruction can prove difficult. Three cases of upper airways obstruction presenting as asthma and requiring ventilatory support are reported. Problems relating to correct diagnosis and subsequent management are discussed. Two of the cases were a result of thyroid gland pathology, and the other was due to acute laryngotracheobronchitis.
authors: H M
authors: HM
authors: Munro
authors: L D
authors: LD
authors: Paxton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015030:Zimbabwe