Diagnosis and Management of Vocal Cord Dysfunction

Vocal cord dysfunction is often incorrectly identified as asthma. Unlike asthma, this condition does not respond to inhalers and affects the upper airway. These patients may present with a sudden onset of inspiratory stridor or wheeze, choking sensation, tightness, or heaviness over the larynx that ends just as abruptly with deep-breathing exercises or distraction. Treatment includes gradual taper and discontinuation of unnecessary asthma medications, diaphragmatic breathing exercises, adequate hydration, nasal saline lavage to reduce postnasal drainage, prevention and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux, and treatment of allergies and chronic sinusitis.