Stridor caused by vocal cord malfunction associated with emotional factors

We describe two adolescent patients in whom a disorder of the vocal cords associated with emotional factors resulted in acute episodes of stridor. Adduction of the vocal cords on inspiration and abduction on expiration was found on indirect laryngoscopy. The problem responded to either placebo treatment or psychotherapy. The similarity between vocal cord dysfunction presenting as stridor and that presenting as asthma is discussed. The importance of diagnosing these functional problems in children is emphasized in order to avoid unnecessary diagnostic procedures and hazardous treatment.