Vocal cord dysfunction presenting as refractory asthma.
Vocal cord dysfunction is a rare variety of upper airway obstruction characterized by typical laryngoscopic features and may mimic an acute asthma attack. The case presented in this report pertains to a 15-year-old girl who had repeated acute episodes of dyspnoea and wheezing and remained non-responsive to corticosteroids and inhaled bronchodilators requiring endotracheal intubations for adequate control. Laryngoscopic findings were consistent with vocal cord dysfunction. She was treated with a tracheostomy and psychological support.
Suri
J C
JC
Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India. jcsurijc@del3.vsnl.net.in
Sen
M K
MK
Chakrabarti
S
S
Mehta
Chitra
C
D000293:Adolescent; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*