Vocal Cord Dysfunction Therapy
What is Vocal Cord Dysfunction?
Vocal Cord Dysfunction, or VCD, is a paradoxical movement of the true vocal cords that disrupts the normal flow of air into the lungs.
When you breathe in and out, your vocal cords open. This opening is coordinated with the challenge of the respiratory activity. With VCD, the opening of the vocal cords is dis-coordinated and frequently incomplete, restricting the opening for airflow into the trachea (windpipe). This incomplete opening or constricting of the vocal cords produces many symptoms.
What are the symptoms of VCD?
chronic cough
shortness of breath
difficulty breathing
chest and/or throat tightness
chronic throat clearing
difficulty "getting air"
hoarseness
wheezing
difficulty swallowing
What are the triggers of VCD?
nasal allergies
upper respiratory infections
fumes/odors (e.g., cigarette smoke)
temperature changes
singing
emotional upset
exercise
sinus infections with drainage
acid reflux
How is VCD diagnosed?
VCD may be diagnosed by your primary care physician, an allergist, an ENT, or a pulmonologist using medical history, spirometry and/or direct fiberoptic laryngoscopy. Your physician may then refer you to a speech pathologist to help alleviate symptoms of VCD with a short course of treatment.
What are the goals of voice therapy for VCD?
Your therapy will emphasize:
relaxation of the laryngeal complex or "voice box"
coordination of opening and closing of the true vocal cords during respiration
methods to control symptoms of VCD during an episode
strategies to prevent further episodes
strategies to suppress cough and chronic throat clearing
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