"Vocal Cord Dysfunction Exploration: Symptoms, Underlying Reasons, and Further Details"
In the realm of respiratory disorders, two conditions often present similar symptoms, making it challenging for doctors to differentiate between them. These conditions are Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) and asthma.
VCD, characterised by a sudden inability to speak, coughing, loud breathing, tightening of the throat, and trouble breathing, can sometimes mimic asthma symptoms. People with VCD may receive an erroneous asthma diagnosis, undergoing evaluation only after failing to respond to asthma treatments such as bronchodilators.
Fortunately, with the right medical support, most people with VCD can see a complete response to treatment, and their symptoms can improve or disappear over time. The primary treatment for VCD focuses on speech therapy involving breathing retraining, vocal cord relaxation exercises, and techniques to release throat muscle tension. During acute episodes, patients are taught emergency breathing techniques like "sniffing" breaths, pursed-lip breathing, and panting to force the vocal cords open.
In contrast, asthma treatment typically revolves around medications targeting airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction, such as inhaled corticosteroids, beta-agonists (rescue inhalers), and leukotriene modifiers. Asthma management emphasises controlling inflammation and preventing bronchospasm, which are not addressed by the breathing exercises used for VCD.
| Aspect | VCD Treatment | Asthma Treatment | |--------|---------------|------------------| | Cause | Abnormal vocal cord closure | Airway inflammation and bronchospasm | | Primary treatment | Speech therapy (breathing retraining, vocal exercises) | Medications (inhaled steroids, bronchodilators) | | Medications | Sometimes used for underlying conditions like GERD or allergies | Central to disease control | | Acute episode management | Breathing techniques to open vocal cords | Use of rescue inhalers to relax bronchial muscles | | Goal | Retrain vocal cords to prevent inappropriate closure | Reduce airway inflammation and prevent constriction |
Advanced diagnosis at specialized centres like the Mayo Clinic may include laryngoscopy and multidisciplinary voice therapy, potentially combined with medications or surgery if needed for associated disorders. In contrast, asthma rarely requires surgery and relies heavily on pharmacological approaches.
Visual biofeedback therapy is another treatment option for VCD, where individuals can observe their breathing patterns in real time and make adjustments. Identifying and avoiding VCD triggers can help reduce or eliminate symptoms for some individuals. During a flexible laryngoscopy, images of the vocal cords can reveal signs of VCD.
It is crucial to ensure prompt and accurate diagnosis to avoid inappropriate asthma treatments that are ineffective for VCD. In most cases of VCD, treatment centres on speech therapy, where a speech-language pathologist (SLP) educates the person about VCD and teaches breathing exercises. Spirometry, a pulmonary function test, is sometimes used in diagnosing both VCD and asthma.
In people with VCD, the vocal cords close during the breathing process, a condition known as adduction. Unlike VCD, asthma involves a tightening of the bronchial tubes, allowing air to pass from the windpipe to the lungs.
Sources: [1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Vocal cord dysfunction. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vocal-cord-dysfunction/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372271
[2] American Lung Association. (2021). Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD). [online] Available at: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/vocal-cord-dysfunction/learn-about-vocal-cord-dysfunction/treatment-and-medication
- The treatment for Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) contrasts significantly from asthma treatment, focusing primarily on speech therapy and breathing exercises rather than medications.
- During a flexible laryngoscopy, images of the vocal cords can reveal signs of VCD, which is characterized by the sudden closure of the vocal cords during the breathing process.
- While asthma involves a tightening of the bronchial tubes, allowing air to pass from the windpipe to the lungs, VCD is often mistaken for asthma due to similar symptoms like trouble breathing.
- It's essential to ensure a prompt and accurate diagnosis to avoid inappropriate asthma treatments that are ineffective for VCD, and advanced diagnostic centers like the Mayo Clinic may include laryngoscopy and multidisciplinary voice therapy for VCD.
