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[Vocal cord dysfunction in children and adolescents].
1Zentrum für Kinderheilkunde und Jugendmedizin der Universität Frankfurt,Klinik für Kinderheilkunde I, Pädiatrische Pneumologie, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
Pneumologie (Stuttgart, Germany)
|August 16, 2001
Summary
Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is often misdiagnosed as asthma. This study highlights VCD symptoms and its link to silent reflux in children, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Otolaryngology
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is increasingly recognized but frequently misdiagnosed as bronchial asthma.
- Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate asthma treatments and potentially severe patient outcomes.
- Understanding VCD's unique presentation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management.
Observation:
- This study reports on five pediatric cases of VCD (4 girls, 1 boy) aged 2–13 years.
- VCD symptoms include acute onset of stridulous respiration and dyspnea, mimicking asthma.
- Inspiratory stridor and rapid disease progression should raise suspicion for VCD over asthma.
Findings:
- VCD results from multifactoral pathomechanisms involving both somatic and psychological aspects.
- A significant finding was the high prevalence of pathological gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in VCD patients, often asymptomatic ('silent reflux').
- The interplay between VCD, silent reflux, and potential co-existing allergic asthma necessitates a comprehensive diagnostic approach.
Implications:
- Accurate differentiation between VCD and asthma is critical to avoid ineffective treatments.
- Identifying underlying factors like silent reflux is key to developing individualized VCD management plans.
- Further research into VCD's multifactoral etiology and its association with GER is warranted for improved patient care.