Vocal Cord Dysfunction

Vocal cord dysfunction is a condition in which the vocal cords abnormally close during inhalation, or exhalation.

Symptoms of vocal cord dysfunction include:

Shortness of Breath
Wheezing
Coughing
Throat Tightness
Stridor
Hoarseness and Voice Change

Triggers of vocal cord dysfunction include:

Odors
Smoke
Exercise
Reflux
Stress

Vocal cord dysfunction is associated with:

Asthma
Reflux
Postnasal Drip
Athletes
Anxiety

Vocal cord dysfunction is often misdiagnosed as asthma due to similarity of symptoms. In contrast to asthma, symptoms of vocal cord dysfunction do not respond to albuterol or inhaled/oral steroids. Importantly, in some individuals, vocal cord dysfunction can coexist with asthma.

Allergists are experts in vocal cord dysfunction and diagnose this condition by history, exam, and rhinolaryngoscopy.

The goals in the treatment of vocal cord dysfunction are to mitigate any exacerbating factors and prevent abnormal vocal cord movement.

Treatment options include:

Treatment of Exacerbating Conditions
Speech Therapy

By visiting an Allergist, you too can take control of your vocal cord dysfunction and improve your quality of life.

Conditions Treated

Allergy Shots

Allergy immunotherapy, also called “allergy shots,” is prescribed to modify the immune system’s response to allergens with the goal of minimizing and/or preventing an allergen initiated inflammatory response.
Allergy Drops & Tablets

Allergy drops, and tablets are two forms of sublingual immunotherapy that are injection-free alternatives to allergy shots. Both contain environmental allergen such as pollen, dust mites, molds, cat, or dog.
Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung condition that usually starts in childhood but can occur at any age. Allergists are considered the experts in asthma and diagnose this condition by history, exam and breathing tests of the airways.
Allergy & Sinus

Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common chronic conditions in the US. Individuals with allergic rhinitis develop allergy antibodies (IgE) targeted against allergens including pollen, animal proteins, dust mites, mold, and insect droppings.
Food Allergy

Food allergy affects 5% of children and 4% of adults in the United States and is defined as an adverse health event that is immune mediated and occurs reproducibly. Individuals with IgE mediated food allergy develop allergy antibodies (IgE) targeted against food allergens.
Allergic Rashes

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder that usually starts at age < 5 years. It is characterized by itchy skin that becomes inflamed with scratching. For this reason, atopic dermatitis is known as the “itch that rashes.”
Other Conditions