Obstructive bronchial syndrome with acute laryngitis in a preschooler without previous episodes: a case report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21909808Keywords:
obstructive bronchial syndrome, laryngitis, asthma, respiratory sounds, preschool child, case reportAbstract
Objective: To describe the case of a preschooler with obstructive bronchial syndrome and concomitant acute laryngitis, without previous similar episodes.
Methods: We present the case of a 3-year-old boy with no relevant medical history other than an untreated laryngitis episode and a paternal history of asthma, who presented with a 2-day history of cough, respiratory distress and lower intercostal retractions.
Results: On examination he had tachypnea, tachycardia, oxygen saturation 91%, watery rhinorrhea, moderate intercostal and subcostal retractions, and diffuse bilateral wheezing. Complementary studies (complete blood count and chest radiograph) showed no significant abnormalities. Obstructive bronchial syndrome associated with mild-to-moderate acute laryngitis was diagnosed, and treatment with parenteral dexamethasone, adrenaline nebulization and inhaled budesonide was started, with good clinical response. Low-dose inhaled corticosteroid maintenance and reassessment at 3 months were planned.
Conclusion: This case illustrates the clinical overlap among obstructive bronchial syndrome, acute laryngitis and possible asthma in a preschooler with a first bronchial obstruction episode, and underscores careful differential evaluation and structured follow-up before establishing a definitive asthma diagnosis in this age group.
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Copyright (c) 2024 André Machado Abrao, Zara Escobar Benítez (Autor/a)
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