[Vocal cord dysfunction mimicking bronchial asthma].

A 19-year-old woman presented with attacks of dyspnea, wheezing and stridor. She had been treated for bronchial asthma with bronchodilators and corticosteroids without improvement. During episodes of wheezing, lung function tests were consistent with variable extrathoracic obstruction. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy confirmed that wheezing was due to paradoxical adduction of the vocal cords during the respiratory cycle. Clinical symptoms improved with speech therapy and psychological aid in relaxation. Vocal cord dysfunction is important in the differential diagnosis of bronchial asthma.