Flash back Friday - Vocal Cord Dysfunction

 

 

Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) is one of those conditions that can be confused with asthma. Sometimes, when the severe asthma is not controlled on medication, they look at VCD.

#2 Son was evaluated for this - and once we were back at the hospital. 

 

He LOVED having a probe stuck up his nose as they watched his vocal chords during speech patterns. Nasal endoscopies are a great way to start the week! Ugh.

His vocal folds turned out to be normal, so he just has severe and uncontrolled asthma. 

 

But for some people vocal cord dysfunction is an answer as to why they have symptoms symptoms of asthma, yet not responding to normal asthma medications. 

 

Some people may be taking asthma medication when in reality, it is a problem with their vocal cords.

 

What is vocal cord dysfunction?

It's when your vocal cords close when they are supposed to open. This can cause problems breathing and can be mistaken for asthma.  

 

Symptoms of are:

 

• Coughing 
• Wheezing 
• Hard time breathing 
• Tight throat 
• Voice changes
• Hoarse voice
  

As you can see, some of those symptoms sound like asthma (coughing, wheezing and a hard time breathing.)

You can sometimes hear a gasping sound when you are working out and breathing heavily. Some people can also have a gasping sound even when they are resting. 

Once again, diagnosis can be confusing. We are lucky to have a great asthma doctor who carefully ruled out all other possibilities before deciding on a treatment plan for #2 Son. He does have severe asthma and that is why he does Xolaire injections.

But do a little research and carefully consult with your doctor. Asthma isn't all cut and dried and can have other things that contribute. Ah, thank you genetics. Once again, we are genetically defective, I want a refund!