[Gastroesophageal reflux as a cause of vocal dysfunction]

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD), is characterized by a paradoxical adduction of the vocal cords during inspiration, and occurs predominantly in young women. Common symptoms are cough, wheezing, episodic dyspnea, and inspiratory stridor. The true incidence and course of the disease are unknown, and it is usually self limited. It can coexist with, or mimic refractory asthma. Psychological disorders were thought to be the principal cause, subsequently multiple organic diseases have also been reported, like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Diagnosis is made by clinical suspicion and direct observation. The Gold standard for diagnosis is laryngoscopy with visualization of the paradoxical motion of the vocal cords when the patient is symptomatic. Speech therapy and psychotherapy have been used extensively without any prospective study. We report two cases of VCD associated with GERD, both with excellent respond to treatment.