What You Should Know About
Vocal Cord Dysfunction
Which respiratory disease causes wheezing and difficulty breathing, commonly in response to a trigger such as smoke, exercise, or stress? If you're like most people, you probably said asthma. But there's another disease called vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) that can cause problems very similar to those caused by asthma. It stems from an abnormality in the way the vocal cords function inside your windpipe.
Understanding VCD
Normally, the vocal cords open automatically when you inhale, which allows as much air as possible to pass through your windpipe and into your lungs. In VCD, however, the vocal cords don't open as they should, which partially blocks your windpipe and makes you feel as though you can't get enough air.
Diagnosing VCD can be quite difficult because the symptoms are a lot like those of asthma: chronic cough, shortness of breath, difficulty inhaling enough air, chest tightness, throat tightness, hoarseness, and wheezing. What's more, the symptoms of VCD tend to arise in response to conditions that also trigger asthma symptoms, such as upper respiratory infections, gastroesophagel reflux (severe heartburn), fumes, odors, cigarette smoke, singing, emotional stress, and exercise. Because VCD doesn't respond to asthma treatment, however, it can cause frequent emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
Probably the most important method for diagnosing VCD is a test called laryngoscopy. The test is performed by a specialist called a pulmonologist. Using a flexible tube, the physician can look down your throat to see what your vocal cords are doing when you're having symptoms. Other tests may be helpful as well.
Treatments and Tips
Once you're diagnosed with VCD, you can start a specific treatment program. If you also have asthma, your doctor may want to reevaluate your asthma medications. You'll probably also start speech therapy. Special exercises can help you relax your throat muscles, reduce the abnormal movement of your vocal cords, and increase the amount of air that passes into your lungs you're having symptoms of VCD.
Because stress can worsen the symptoms of VCD - and VCD can increase levels of stress - many people with VCD have found counseling to be an important part of their treatment. Counseling can help you adjust to VCD and the treatment program it requires. It also can help you identify stresses and build coping skills that will help you minimize the effects of VCD on your daily life.
Where to Get More Information
For more information, try these online resources.
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