Plastic bronchitis requiring bronchoscopy

Abstract

Objective: We report two cases of plastic bronchitis presenting with acute respiratory failure and mimicking foreign body inhalation.

Method: The clinical findings, differential diagnoses and radiological investigation are discussed.

Results: Plastic bronchitis is an uncommon condition, particularly in children. The condition may present to otolaryngologists with symptoms mimicking foreign body inhalation. It is important to consider plastic bronchitis as a differential diagnosis, based on its clinical and radiological signs. Early intervention, in the form of bronchoscopy, can be both diagnostic and therapeutic.

Conclusion: Plastic bronchitis is uncommon and its clinical and radiological features are non-specific. The recommended management is early bronchoscopy to establish the diagnosis and enable therapeutic intervention.