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All that wheezes is not asthma--broncholithiasis, a forgotten disease
1Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 169608. gm31sy@sgh.com.sg
Introduction:
Asthma is a common condition seen by medical practitioners. However, 'all that wheezes is not asthma', is an important adage not to be forgotten. We report a case of broncholithiasis which was initially misdiagnosed as asthma.
Clinical Picture:
An 81-year-old female presented with cough and intermittent wheezing associated with one episode of haemoptysis. Chest radiograph and CT thorax were suggestive of broncholithiasis. This was confirmed by flexible bronchoscopy.
Treatment:
The broncholith was successfully extracted using flexible bronchoscopy.
Outcome:
The patient had complete resolution of symptoms post procedure.
Conclusions:
Physicians should always entertain other differential diagnoses which may mimic asthma.