Achalasia Cardia Masquerading as Uncontrolled Bronchial Asthma

Uncontrolled asthma in children is a subset of bronchial asthma that frequently includes alternative diagnoses. Achalasia cardia (AC) is a rare esophageal motility disorder that mimics similar features of asthma. A history of nocturnal cough aggravated by the supine position, with relatively fewer symptoms in the daytime and upright posture, should raise suspicion of AC. Here, we present the case of a 9-year-old child presenting with clinical features and investigations favoring bronchial asthma, but with a poor control. On further workup, a diagnosis turned out to be AC. After surgery, the child recovered completely.