Mobeireek A, Alhamad A, Al-Subaei A, Alzeer A
Division of Pulmonology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Eur Respir J. 1995 Nov;8(11):1978-81. doi: 10.1183/09031936.95.08111978.
Upper airway obstruction can mimic bronchial asthma. A particular type results from psychogenic dysfunction of the vocal cord, and presents as bronchial asthma or organic upper airways obstruction. If not recognized, ineffective and potentially harmful therapy is given instead of focusing on the underlying psychopathology. We report three Saudi females with this condition, in whom polygamy and a large family system created associated social stress. Spirometry with a flow volume loop showed characteristic features, and in all three this test was the most important clinical tool that led to the correct diagnosis. Clinicians should perform spirometry and flow-volume loop tests routinely in patients presenting with asthmatic symptoms, and look for clues suggestive of this condition, including a psychosocial assessment.
上气道梗阻可酷似支气管哮喘。一种特殊类型是由声带的心理性功能障碍引起的，表现为支气管哮喘或器质性上气道梗阻。如果未被识别，就会给予无效且可能有害的治疗，而不是关注潜在的精神病理学问题。我们报告了三名患有这种疾病的沙特女性，一夫多妻制和庞大的家庭体系给她们带来了相关的社会压力。带有流量容积环的肺功能测定显示出特征性表现，对这三名患者而言，该检查都是做出正确诊断的最重要临床工具。临床医生应对有哮喘症状的患者常规进行肺功能测定和流量容积环检查，并寻找提示这种疾病的线索，包括进行社会心理评估。
