How to Treat Vocal Cord Dysfunction

Vocal cord dysfunction is often grouped with speech pathologies, though it does not involve speech per se. The vocal chords, which sit at the top of the windpipe, usually open during respiration. In a VCD episode they contract instead, causing asthma-like symptoms. In other words, the person can't breathe. To treat VCD, experts use a variety of strategies.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Treat Vocal Cord Dysfunction

1. Eliminate asthma as the cause of all symptoms. Asthma medicine does not work on VCD. If your prescription medication is not effective or only partially reduces symptoms, ask to be tested for vocal cord dysfunction.
2. Watch for accompanying conditions that may also need treatment, including chronic sinus infection (characterized by chronic cough or throat clearing) and gastroesophageal (acid) reflux disease (GERD).
3. Note down circumstances that trigger VCD (infection, cigarette smoke, a long episode of laughing or coughing, strenuous exercise and others). Set about eliminating as many of these as possible.
4. Stop extraneous medications (under the advice of a doctor) for asthma or other conditions that are not causing the symptoms.
5. Begin taking whatever medicine the doctor has prescribed to treat accompanying conditions. Tell your physician about discomfort, side effects, or if the medicine does not seem to work.
6. Ask for a referral to a speech pathologist to learn breathing, muscle relaxation and throat-clearing techniques. Practice these faithfully so that you will be ready to use them during a VCD episode.
7. Consider a stress reduction class. The symptoms of VCD can be triggered or worsened by stressful conditions.

Tips & Warnings

• Many people have both VCD and asthma. If this is the case you will need to continue taking your asthma medicine along with those prescribed for VCD conditions.
• Be patient with your doctor. Medical literature describes vocal cord dysfunction as something that can easily be faked. In addition, it is hard to separate from other conditions with similar symptoms. He may need some convincing that your symptoms are real. Stay cheerful and follow his advice to the letter.
• There is an inhaler medicine for VCD called Heliox, a mixture of helium and oxygen. It offers immediate relief from a single episode, but other therapies are necessary for long-term improvement.
• Breathing and muscle relaxation exercises may take time to master. If you try the techniques during a VCD episode and do not experience relief, don't get discouraged. Keep trying.
• Take vocal cord dysfunction seriously. Like asthma, it can result in a trip to the hospital if not properly treated.