Paradoxical Vocal Cord Dysfunction
During the springtime, here in Missouri, we have a surge of paradoxical vocal cord dysfunction referrals (PVCD). PVCD is a neurological disorder that involves the vocal folds when exposed to a “trigger.” Patients with PVCD typically have complaints of difficulty breathing, tightness in the throat, and even at times syncope episodes. Some PVCD symptoms can be so extreme that hospitalization is required. PVCD is complex and can be difficult to diagnose. Some patients with PVCD have been misdiagnosed with asthma and there are some patients that have PVCD and asthma. When a patient is having a PVCD event the vocal folds adduct (come together) during inhalation and sometimes exhalation. Picture A shows adducted vocal folds while picture B shows abducted vocal folds. Adducted vocal folds during respiration can cause difficulty breathing and a stridor. In this blog post pseudonyms, triggers/contributory factors, evaluation process, treatment, and resources will be reviewed. T...