| What is Vocal Cord Dysfunction? Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) is an intermittent condition in which the vocal cords (also known as the larynx or voice box) close inappropriately during inspiration. We use our vocal cords to talk, but another important role of the vocal cords is to protect the lungs when swallowing and exclude food and fluid from the lungs. Normally, the vocal cords are open with breathing and close with swallowing. VCD is a condition of the vocal cords closing at the wrong time.
What are the symptoms of Vocal Cord Dysfunction? Symptoms of VCD include shortness of breath, chest tightness, difficulty breathing inward, difficulty speaking and hoarseness. Cough can also be associated with VCD. Some patients describe a tight sensation at the base of their throat or a sensation that they are “breathing through a straw”. Other patients cannot localize the tightness, and report difficult breathing and wheezing. For many patients, this sensation is so uncomfortable that they become anxious and panicky. VCD symptoms can be very similar to asthma symptoms.
What causes Vocal Cord Dysfunction? The cause of VCD is not completely understood, but there are several health conditions that often co-exist with VCD. Treatment of these health conditions will decrease VCD symptoms. Many patients with VCD also have asthma, and it can be difficult for patient and doctor to distinguish between the two conditions. Maintaining good control of asthma symptoms can allow a patient to focus on treating the VCD. Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) or the condition of stomach acid leaving the stomach and entering the esophagus (feeding tube connecting the mouth and the stomach) is often associated with VCD. GERD is treated with lifestyle changes, dietary changes and medications. Sinus disease and post-nasal drip are often associated with VCD. Improvement of allergic and non-allergic nasal conditions often treats VCD. For some patients, stress and anxiety can make VCD worse or occur more frequently. Trying to limit stress and address anxiety issues can also help VCD.
How do you diagnose Vocal Cord Dysfunction? Your doctor may suspect VCD by your symptoms, your response to medications and the inspiratory portion of your lung function testing. VCD can also be diagnosed by direct visualization of your vocal cords during an episode of VCD.
How do you treat Vocal Cord Dysfunction? There are no medications to specifically treat VCD, although treating coexisting conditions such as asthma, GERD and post-nasal drip/sinus disease can improve the symptoms of VCD. The mainstay of treatment for VCD is breathing exercises. These exercises allow a patient to regain control over the dysfunctioning vocal cords and force the vocal cords to function properly – that is to be open during breathing. Your doctor and nurse can help teach you these breathing exercises, but if you have particularly difficult VCD, you may also need to see a speech pathologist. Once you have learned the breathing exercises, it is important that you practice these 5-6 times per day, even when you are not having breathing problems. This will allow you to be comfortable and confident in utilizing the breathing techniques, so they will |
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| What is Vocal Cord Dysfunction |
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