CHEST Immersion Severe Asthma May 29-30, 2024-Airway Mimics-Doerschug

Airway Mimics-Doerschug

Pdf Summary

This text discusses the challenge of distinguishing between asthma and other conditions that may present similarly. A 32-year-old female with a history of episodic breathlessness and wheezing, initially diagnosed with asthma, did not show typical responses to asthma treatments like albuterol inhalers, ICS/LABA, and montelukast. Despite normal PFTs during clinic visits, exacerbations occurred after exposure to triggers such as cleaning supplies and exercise. The text highlights two conditions that can be mistaken for asthma: Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO) and Paradoxical Vocal Fold Dysfunction (PVFD). These conditions can cause sudden breathlessness, coughing, and wheezing, but do not respond to standard asthma treatments. Diagnosis involves tests like flexible laryngoscopy and exercise laryngoscopy, and treatment may include speech therapy. Additionally, the text mentions Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction, a subset of PVFD that occurs specifically during physical activity. Other relevant conditions like vocal fold hematoma, polyps, and even foreign objects in the airway are also touched upon. Overall, the document serves to educate healthcare providers on the importance of considering alternative diagnoses when managing patients with symptoms resembling asthma.

Keywords

asthma

distinguishing

episodic breathlessness

wheezing

albuterol inhalers

ICS/LABA

montelukast

Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction

Paradoxical Vocal Fold Dysfunction

Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction