[Not all wheezing is asthma: on functional laryngospasm]

Functional disturbances of the larynx can obstruct respiratory airflow resulting in dramatic states of dyspnoea or shortness of breath. Whereas in inspiratory functional laryngospasm the diagnosis is suggested by inspiratory stridor and hoarseness, it is often difficult to differentiate between the two expiratory forms, namely, laryngospasm in asthma and laryngeal pseudoasthma on the one hand, and an obstructive disease of the lower respiratory tract on the other. Seven case reports demonstrate the by no means uniform pattern of symptoms, the diagnostics and the unfortunately not always satisfactory possibilities of treatment. Pulmonary functional analysis and laryngoscopy are the most important diagnostic procedures in this regard. Even if it is not always possible to achieve the desired freedom from symptoms by means of respiratory therapy, logopaedics or psychotherapy, a correct diagnosis will nevertheless protect both the patient and the doctor against further useless attempts at drug treatment.