About this topic
The vocal cords are two flap-like structures found inside your throat in the voice box. The voice box is also called the larynx. Vocal cords help us talk and breathe safely. They are like doors that open to let air in and out. They close when you hold your breath and swallow. When we let air out, the vocal cords move and vibrate. This helps you make sound to talk. ‚
Vocal cord dysfunction is a health problem where the vocal cords do not work as they should. The muscles or nerves that control the opening and closing of these cords may be harmed or affected by something. When this happens, a person may not be able to let enough air inside the lungs. This can cause breathing problems and other issues and treatment is needed right away. Sometimes, vocal cord dysfunction can be confused for asthma. Your doctor can help you figure this out. ‚
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What are the causes?
- Colds or infection in the throat or lungs
- Postnasal drip
- Shouting or coughing
- Acid reflux
- Exercise
- Stress
- Irritation from smoking, fumes, or bad odors
- Changes in brain
- Having had a breathing tube put in
What are the main signs?
- Trouble breathing in or getting air into your lungs
- Tightness in the throat or chest
- Coughing
- Having the need to clear your throat often
- Feeling of choking
- Feeling like a pillow is on top of your nose and mouth
- Voice changes, like sounding hoarse or breathy
- High-pitched sound when you breathe in (wheezing)
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- Your smoking history
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- X-ray
- Spirometry ¢ ˆ ’ A breathing test that measures the flow of air into and out of your lungs
- Laryngoscopy ¢ ˆ ’ A test that uses a small camera on the tip of a flexible tube to see inside your throat that goes in through your nose
- Arterial blood gases (ABG) ¢ ˆ ’ A test that measures oxygen in the blood
- Allergy skin test
- A speech therapist can also help diagnose any voice problems and can work with your doctor to manage problems.
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- The doctor may give you oxygen to help with your breathing. You may have to wear a mask over your mouth or a device to blow oxygen into your nose.
- Your doctor may send you to a speech therapist. The speech therapist will teach you ways to help with this problem. You may also learn breathing exercises and ways to relax.
- Sometimes shots of Botox can be given to vocal cords to help them work better.
Are there other health problems to treat?
- Breathing problems
- Talking and speech problems
- Asthma attacks. Vocal cord dysfunction can be mistaken for asthma.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Stay away from smells, foods, and places that might trigger your problem. Stay away from people with strong perfumes and places with fumes and strong chemical odors. Try to keep away from very cold or very hot places.
- Try not to eat 2 hours before going to bed. This may trigger acid reflux which can bring about attacks.
- Do not smoke; drink wine, beer, and mixed drinks; or eat or drink things with caffeine in them. These can worsen your signs.
- Stay away from stressful events and from people who might make you upset.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Help with swelling of the vocal cords
- Control coughing
- Get rid sticky phlegm
- Help with breathing
- Treat acid reflux
Will there be any other care needed?
- You may need to see a speech therapist. They can teach you ways to deal with this problem and make it better.
- Use 2 to 3 pillows under your head when you lie down to make it easier to breathe and sleep and help with acid reflux.
- When you start to feel that you are going to have an attack, do your breathing exercises and call your doctor right away.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Try not to skip your therapy sessions.
- Follow the exercises given by your therapist.
- Avoid any triggers that you and your doctor have identified.
- If you have asthma or acid reflux, take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Bluish skin color
- Stop breathing for a time
- High fever
- Dizziness or passing out
If you are being treated for asthma and are still having signs, you may have VCD and asthma and need to be treated for both. ‚
Where can I learn more?
Allergy and Asthma Network ‚
http://www.aanma.org/2009/02/vocal-cord-dysfunction-something-to-talk-about/ ‚
American Association of Allergy Asthma and Immunology ‚
http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/related-conditions/vocal-cord-dysfunction.aspx ‚
American Speech Language and Hearing Association ‚
http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/voice.htm ‚
American Thoracic Society ‚
http://patients.thoracic.org/information-series/en/resources/what-is-vocal-cord-dysfunction-vcd.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚