To make an appointment, call 314.454.KIDS or toll-free 800.678.5437.
Breathing
is something we usually do not think about because our bodies normally control
this process without our help. It is
automatic. When we breathe in (inhale)
our vocal cords open (see picture A). The air we breathe in flows through the vocal cords, into the windpipe
(trachea) and into the lungs. Then we breathe air out of the lungs, through the
windpipe and open vocal cords.
Vocal
Cord Dysfunction (VCD) is a condition in which the vocal cords are pulled
towards each other, closing or narrowing the space for the air to flow into the
windpipe. There are times when the vocal
cords should close, such as when speaking or swallowing (See picture B). VCD occurs when the vocal cords are pulled
together at the wrong time.
What are the symptoms of VCD?
Symptoms
of VCD vary for each person and may occur suddenly. The following list includes some common signs
and symptoms. Put a check by any that
you may have experienced:
- Difficulty breathing, especially breathing air in
- Tight throat
- Wheezing
- Noisy breathing
- Frequent coughing
- Barky cough
- Laryngitis
- Hoarse or different voice quality
- Breathy voice or breaks in voice
- Choking sensation
- Dry or sore throat
- Chest tightness or pain
- Burning sensation in the chest of throat
- Rapid shallow breathing
Although these symptoms may happen with VCD they are also seen in many common conditions. Always ask your primary care provider if you have questions.
What causes VCD?
Tension
in the vocal cords and the surrounding muscles causes the vocal cords to
tighten. There is not one cause for Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD). There are many triggers and conditions that
can cause you to experience VCD.
VCD
can occur alone or along with asthma. Many of the triggers for asthma can also
be triggers for VCD. Put a check by any that trigger your symptoms.
- Exercise or physical activity
- Stress, anxiety or any strong emotion (anger, frustration, excitement)
- Asthma attacks
- Perfumes or strong ordors
- Cigarette smoke
- Indoor or outdoor irritants or pollution
- Chemical exposure
- Viruses
- Sinus congestion and infections
- Upper respiratory infections
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux)
- Singing or shouting
What treatments are available for VCD?
With
your help, your VCD treatment team will develop a plan to help you to identify
and control VCD symptoms. The team may
suggest further evaluation to help develop a therapy plan, especially if you
also have asthma. Once the team helps you to identify what might cause your VCD
symptoms they can suggest strategies to help control it.
Since
VCD is different for each person, the people who make up the VCD treatment team
will vary. A speech pathologist and psychologist
will likely play key roles in your therapy and will work closely with other professionals
on your team.
To make an appointment, call 314.454.KIDS or toll-free 800.678.5437.