In the past 20 years, several cases have been reported describing an u
pper airway obstruction reportedly caused by psychological factors. Th
is paper reviews 48 reported cases of ''psychogenic stridor.'' Patient
s with psychogenic stridor usually present to primary care physicians
with symptoms of asthma or stridor unresponsive to conventional treatm
ents. Of the 48 cases reviewed, 52% received a diagnosis of conversion
disorder. The obstruction was severe enough to cause intubation and t
racheostomies in some patients. In addition, many suffered from the un
necessary side effects of corticosteroids. The literature is reviewed
and medical and psychiatric differential diagnosis and treatment are d
iscussed.