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Functional laryngeal obstruction relieved by panting.
1Pulmonary Division, University of Miami Medical Center.
Chest
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Functional laryngeal obstruction causes severe breathing difficulties. A simple panting maneuver effectively relieved symptoms in two patients, suggesting it as a diagnostic and emergency treatment.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Critical Care
Background:
- Functional laryngeal obstruction presents with severe dyspnea and stridor, mimicking organic causes.
- Diagnostic workup including imaging and endoscopy often fails to identify the cause of obstruction.
Observation:
- Flow volume loops indicated severe upper airway obstruction, yet plethysmographic airway resistance was normal.
- Laryngospasm occurred during bronchoscopy, suggesting a dynamic component to the obstruction.
Findings:
- The panting maneuver provided immediate and complete relief of functional laryngeal obstruction symptoms.
- Normal flow volume loops post-recovery indicated the transient nature of the obstruction.
- A discrepancy between flow volume loop findings and plethysmographic measurements may aid diagnosis.
Implications:
- Panting may serve as a diagnostic tool for functional laryngeal obstruction.
- The panting maneuver is a potentially effective emergency treatment for acute airway obstruction.
- Prompt relief by panting can suggest the diagnosis of functional laryngeal obstruction.