Plastic bronchitis requiring bronchoscopy

We report two cases of plastic bronchitis presenting with acute respiratory failure and mimicking foreign body inhalation.

The clinical findings, differential diagnoses and radiological investigation are discussed.

Plastic bronchitis is an uncommon condition, particularly in children. The condition may present to otolaryngologists with symptoms mimicking foreign body inhalation. It is important to consider plastic bronchitis as a differential diagnosis, based on its clinical and radiological signs. Early intervention, in the form of bronchoscopy, can be both diagnostic and therapeutic.

Plastic bronchitis is uncommon and its clinical and radiological features are non-specific. The recommended management is early bronchoscopy to establish the diagnosis and enable therapeutic intervention.