A condition in which the vocal cords do not open completely when you breathe in is called vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) or inducible laryngeal obstruction. It may block your airways, which makes it difficult to breathe. Unfortunately, there is no way to cure this condition, but there are treatments that may ease the symptoms and improve your quality of life. However, you can learn how to prevent this condition and manage its symptoms.
In some cases, this condition is called paradoxical vocal cord movement. It often occurs when the vocal cords or another part of the voice box does not work properly. To better understand this condition, it is important to know more about the vocal cords. Vocal cords are made up of 2 folds (bands) of muscle that are located inside the larynx (also called the voice box). When a person breathes, these vocal folds open. These vocal folds come together and begin to vibrate, which makes your voice and also helps to swallow, cough, and clear the throat. The voice box is also involved in singing, talking, and making other sounds.
Symptoms
This condition may make you feel a lump in the throat (pharynx). Check below for other symptoms of vocal cord dysfunction:
- Lightheadedness
- A continuous feeling like you need to clear your throat
- Breathing problems
- A sensation that you are suffocating or choking
- Tingling sensation in the hands and feet
- Noisy or stridorous breathing on inhalation
Do not hesitate to see a doctor if any of the previous symptoms occur.
Causes
Healthcare providers do not fully understand why vocal cord dysfunction occurs. However, they think there is more than one thing that triggers this condition. Check below some potential causes of VCD:
- Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) – This is a type of VCD caused by exercise. In most cases, EILO occurs in young athletes.
- Medical conditions – Some diseases may trigger a new episode of VCD. These include gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), asthma, upper respiratory infections (URIs), and others.
- Mental health problems – The following conditions may worsen existing symptoms and even trigger a new episode. For example, generalized anxiety disorder, clinical depression, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Irritants – For example, cold, dry air, cleaning chemicals, toxins (including ammonia or bleach), strong smells or perfumes, smoke, and other substances.
Consult with your healthcare professional for more details.
What Are The Long-term Effects of Vocal Cord Dysfunction?
In some cases, people with VCD may also experience some complications, especially if the condition is left untreated. Check below some of them:
- Breathing problems
- Anxiety and fear
- Inability to perform physical activity
- Voice changes (including hoarseness)
- Difficulty speaking
- Chronic cough
- Atypical asthma
This document does not contain a full list of VCD complications. Furthermore, you can talk with your healthcare professional about ways to reduce the risk or prevent these complications.
How to Prevent Vocal Cord Dysfunction?
The only way to prevent new episodes of this condition is to find and avoid these situations and manage existing health conditions. For instance, if you are continuously exposed to chemicals at work, you should wear a protective mask and gloves to reduce the chances of getting an episode.
Diagnosis
Sometimes, it is quite challenging to diagnose this condition because doctors do not know what exactly causes it. However, some studies suggest that doctors usually mistakenly diagnose VCD as asthma or croup.
Usually, the diagnosis of VCD begins with a physical examination to check for abnormalities linked to the disease. Physicians may also ask some questions about your medical history and symptoms. They may also perform some tests to examine your vocal cords. Examples include:
- Laryngoscopy – During this procedure, doctors use a long and flexible tube with a lighted camera on the end to examine your vocal cords. Therefore, they will ask you to breathe and speak to understand if these actions trigger an episode.
- Pulmonary function tests and spirometry – These tests are used to measure the amount of air you inhale and exhale and how quickly this process occurs. It may help exclude conditions that cause similar symptoms (such as asthma). While these tests cannot diagnose VCD, they can provide more clues about the disease.
Treatment
Doctors often recommend different treatments for people with VCD. It depends on what triggers the episodes, how often you have these episodes, the severity of symptoms, existing health problems, and other factors. Check below the most common options recommended for people with VCD:
- Respiratory retraining therapy – During this therapy, you will learn breathing exercises that may help manage the symptoms and episodes of VCD. These include pursed lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing. Usually, symptoms improve after only a few sessions of breathing therapy.
- Treating trigger conditions – Doctors may prescribe treatment for an underlying condition, such as GERD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cure for vocal cord dysfunction?
Unfortunately, this condition cannot be cured, but doctors may help identify the triggers and manage them.
Is vocal cord dysfunction life-threatening?
While it may feel life-threatening, it actually is not. It is important to get medical care once you notice the symptoms, especially if you are having trouble breathing.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
It is recommended to visit a doctor if you are following the treatment and still experience new episodes. However, you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER) if you experience shortness of breath. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare provider.
