What is paradoxical vocal cord dysfunction?
What is paradoxical vocal cord dysfunction?
Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) or paradoxical vocal fold movement (PVFM) occurs when the vocal cords (voice box) do not open correctly. VCD is sometimes confused with asthma because some of the symptoms are similar. In asthma, the airways (bronchial tubes) tighten, making breathing difficult.
What are the major causes of vocal fold paralysis?
What causes vocal fold paralysis? Vocal fold paralysis may be caused by injury to the head, neck, or chest; lung or thyroid cancer; tumors of the skull base, neck, or chest; or infection (for example, Lyme disease).
What causes the vocal folds to move?
Vocal folds vibrate when excited by aerodynamic phenomena; they are not plucked like a guitar string. Air pressure from the lungs controls the open phase. The passing air column creates a trailing “Bernoulli effect,” which controls the close phase.
How do you fix paradoxical vocal cord dysfunction?
The goal of treatment for PVFM is to make sure your vocal folds open normally and stay open while you are breathing. You also will become aware of what triggers PVFM so you can avoid those triggers. You may need medical treatment for PVFM if you have a medical condition—like allergies or reflux—that trigger PVFM.
Can acid reflux cause paradoxical breathing?
Acid reflux is sometimes a contributing factor for PVFMD. When acid reflux is severe enough to reach the throat, it can cause irritation to the vocal folds, causing them to close as a protective mechanism. This protective closing response from the vocal folds can trigger a PVFMD episode.
How long do VCD attacks last?
Because of the brevity of the attacks, which usually last only 1–2 minutes, VCD is difficult to diagnose with the methods generally used to diagnose asthma.
Do steroids help vocal cord dysfunction?
Oral steroids can reduce swelling in the vocal cords and surrounding soft tissue and may also reduce the size of a benign vocal cord lesion. Pills are typically prescribed for less than one week. Your doctor then reevaluates your vocal cord function and symptoms before recommending further treatment.
