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Long-term outcome of vocal cord dysfunction.
Devang R Doshi1, Miles M Weinberger
1Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonary Division, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
Summary
Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is often misdiagnosed as asthma. Speech therapy effectively treats spontaneous VCD, while anticholinergic inhalers may prevent exercise-induced VCD, and many cases resolve spontaneously.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pulmonology
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is an involuntary functional disorder frequently misdiagnosed as asthma.
- Long-term outcomes of VCD have not been well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the long-term outcome of vocal cord dysfunction (VCD).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 49 patients (ages 8-25) diagnosed with VCD between 1989 and 2002.
- Telephone contact was attempted for outcome assessment.
Main Results:
- 41 patients were previously treated for asthma, but only 12 had it as a comorbidity.
- Two phenotypes were identified: exercise-induced VCD (EIVCD) and spontaneously occurring VCD (SVCD).
- Speech therapy resolved SVCD symptoms in 8/8 patients; 6/6 patients had EIVCD prevented by anticholinergic inhalers. Spontaneous resolution was common.
Conclusions:
- VCD remains frequently misdiagnosed as asthma.
- Speech therapy is effective for SVCD, and anticholinergic inhalers show promise for EIVCD.
- Spontaneous resolution of VCD symptoms is common over time.