Vocal cord dysfunction

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is a condition that affects the vocal cords in which it is characterized by vocal cord closure usually during inspiration. This closure may cause airflow obstruction and wheezing. This syndrome can mimic asthma and can lead to an inaccurate diagnosis and inappropriate treatment which may be harmful to the patient.cite journal | last=Vlahakis | first=NE | coauthors=Patel AM, Maragos NE, Beck KC | title=Diagnosis of vocal cord dysfunction: the utility of spirometry and plethysmography | journal=Chest | volume=122 | issue=6 | pages=2246–2249 | publisher=American College of Chest Physicians | date=December 2002 | url=http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content/full/122/6/2246 | pmid=12475872 ] Most VCD patients carry a diagnosis of asthma unresponsive to therapy, including bronchodilators and steroids. Among adult patients, women tend to be diagnosed more often. Among children and teenage patients, VCD has been linked with high participation in competitive sports and family orientation towards high achievement. Stress and anxiety may be an aggravating factor for this disorder. VCD patients, particularly adults, appear to have an increased incidence of psychiatric disorders. However, the main cause of the disorder remains unknown. Though psychogenic factors clearly contribute to many cases, no biochemical, physiological, or structural abnormalities have been associated with the disorder.

The first step to treat VCD is to stop any unnecessary treatment. The use of steroids is not effective in VCD unless needed to treat underlying asthma. The drugs should be discontinued to avoid the morbidity associated with their use and to prevent severe long-term consequences, including growth retardation in children. Speech therapy is the first line of treatment for VCD and by itself is often sufficient to correct the disorder.

References

* [http://www.nationaljewish.org/disease-info/diseases/vcd/index.aspx Reference]