ABSTRACT
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-yearold 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.Asthma is a very common condition which presents clinically with cough, shortness of breath and wheezing. However, ‘all that wheezes is not asthma’, is an important adage not to be forgotten.
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