Now Recruiting for a Physician Allergist & Immunologist: Click Here To Learn More
Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD), also known as paradoxical vocal fold motion, is a condition in which the vocal cords do not open normally during breathing. Instead, the vocal cords partially close when a person inhales, making it difficult to get air into the lungs.
At Certified Allergy & Asthma Consultants, we evaluate patients who experience breathing symptoms that may be related to vocal cord dysfunction.
VCD is often confused with asthma because the symptoms can be very similar. In fact, studies suggest that a large number of VCD episodes are initially mistaken for asthma.
Although the symptoms can feel frightening, vocal cord dysfunction is not usually life-threatening, and with proper diagnosis and treatment, most patients experience significant improvement.
During normal breathing, the vocal cords open widely to allow air to flow into the lungs. In vocal cord dysfunction, the vocal cords close or tighten when they should remain open, temporarily narrowing the airway and causing breathing difficulty.
Because the problem involves the voice box (larynx) rather than the lungs, vocal cord dysfunction is different from asthma.
Asthma causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes in the lungs. VCD, on the other hand, involves abnormal movement of the vocal cord muscles.
Some patients may have both asthma and vocal cord dysfunction, which can make diagnosis more challenging.
Symptoms of vocal cord dysfunction can appear suddenly and may come and go.
Common symptoms include:
The exact cause of vocal cord dysfunction is not fully understood, but several triggers and contributing factors have been identified.
Common triggers may include:
Psychological stress can sometimes contribute to episodes or worsen symptoms.
Because triggers vary widely, identifying the factors that provoke symptoms is an important part of evaluation.
Vocal cord dysfunction is frequently confused with asthma because both conditions can cause breathing difficulty and wheezing.
However, there are some important differences.Â
Asthma primarily causes difficulty breathing out, due to narrowing of the lower airways.
Vocal cord dysfunction more commonly causes difficulty breathing in, because the vocal cords narrow the upper airway during inhalation.
In some patients, asthma treatments may not relieve symptoms if vocal cord dysfunction is the primary cause.
Diagnosing vocal cord dysfunction requires careful evaluation of symptoms and medical history.
At Certified Allergy & Asthma Consultants, evaluation may include:
In some cases, additional evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist may be recommended to directly examine the vocal cords.
Because VCD can mimic asthma or other respiratory conditions, an accurate diagnosis is important for choosing the right treatment approach.
Treatment for vocal cord dysfunction focuses on controlling triggers and retraining breathing patterns.
Most patients improve significantly with appropriate therapy and do not require long-term medications.
Although vocal cord dysfunction is not an allergic disease, allergic conditions can sometimes trigger or worsen symptoms.
Post-nasal drip from allergic rhinitis, chronic sinus inflammation, or environmental irritants may contribute to episodes.
Evaluation by an allergy specialist can help determine whether allergic conditions are playing a role in breathing symptoms.
Patients trust Certified Allergy & Asthma Consultants for evaluation of complex breathing conditions such as vocal cord dysfunction.
Our specialists help patients:
With accurate diagnosis and targeted therapy, many patients with vocal cord dysfunction can significantly improve breathing and quality of life.
