Vocal cord dysfunction Is it a type of asthma - Mayo Clinic
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Answer From James T C Li, M.D., Ph.D. Both asthma and vocal cord dysfunction can make breathing difficult. Signs and symptoms of either condition can include coughing, wheezing, throat tightness and hoarseness, but they're two separate disorders. Vocal cord dysfunction is the abnormal closing of the vocal cords when you breathe in or out. It's also called laryngeal dysfunction, paradoxical vocal cord movement disorder or paradoxical vocal fold motion. Like asthma, vocal cord dysfunction can be triggered by breathing in lung irritants, having an upper respiratory infection or exercising. However, unlike asthma, vocal cord dysfunction isn't an immune system reaction and doesn't involve the lower airways. Treatment for the two conditions also is different. Your doctor may suspect vocal cord dysfunction rather than asthma if: It's harder to breathe in than breathe out when symptoms flare up. Asthma medications don't seem to ease your symptoms. Because they have similar triggers and symptoms, it's common for vocal cord dysfunction to be misdiagnosed as asthma. This can lead to use of asthma medications that don't help and cause side effects. Some people have both vocal cord dysfunction and asthma, and require treatment for both conditions. Treatment for vocal cord dysfunction may involve special breathing exercises called panting maneuvers, speech therapy, biofeedback and avoidance of irritants. With James T C Li, M.D., Ph.D. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox
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Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry Aspirin allergyReactive airway disease: Is it asthma? ShareTweet March 05, 2022 Show references Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) or paradoxical vocal fold movement (PVFM). American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/related-conditions/vocal-cord-dysfunction. Accessed April 10, 2020. What are vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) and inspiratory laryngeal obstruction (ILO)? American Thoracic Society. https://www.thoracic.org/. Accessed April 14, 2020. Petrov AA. Vocal cord dysfunction: The spectrum across the ages. Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America. 2019; doi:10.1016/j.iac.2019.07.008. Li JTC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. April 15, 2020. See more Expert Answers Products and Services
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