Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD)
also referred to as Paradoxical Vocal Cord Motion (PVFM) 

Vocal cord dysfunction is a description given to a group of symptoms characterized by partial or full closure of the vocal cords usually during inhalation but also occurring during expiration usually with exertion.

  • Symptoms can include shortness of breath, tightness in the chest or throat or wheezing during exercise.
  • Diagnosis of VCD is made after ruling out other medical diagnoses including neurological, pulmonary or cardiac causes.
  • An exercise test is performed in our office in an attempt to prompt the symptoms to occur. Once the symptoms are felt, a small scope will be passed through the child’s nose into the upper airway in order to visualize the vocal cord’s movement.
  • Once the diagnosis is made, the patient will be referred to a speech pathologist or behavioral psychiatrist to retrain the vocal cords.

Tests and Procedures

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