Vocal chord disfunction

By sniffsmom2

1 min read

I have vocal chord disfunction caused by the use of inhalers. Is there anyone out there with this ailment and how do you cope with it?

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi Sniffsmom2 and thanks for sharing your condition with our community. As you are no doubt aware, vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is not a commonly seen diagnosis. For our community members who are unfamiliar with it, VCD is an involuntary closing of the vocal folds or cords, that chokes off one's breath when it occurs. I'm hopeful that one of our other moderators, contributors, or community members may have some more experience with this diagnosis and provide us with more information. I will also continue to look through the medical literature and discuss it with colleagues. You may want to visit our Facebook page to broaden the scope of our community members who can respond to you. You can find it here:https://www.facebook.com/copddotnet/ Warm regards, Leon (site moderator)
1. sniffsmom2 Member
 Thanks to everyone who commented to my post I sure did appreciate the info
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 We're happy to be here for you, Sniffsmom! All the best, Leon (site moderator)
Lyn Harper, MPA, BSRT, RRT, AE-C Moderator
Hi Sniffsmom2 - I'm sorry to hear you have VCD. As Leon pointed out, it's a relatively rare diagnosis. I'm sure anything I have to say, you'll have heard before, but, here goes: Most experts say that one of the main ways to cope with it is through pursed lip breathing and deep diaphramatic breathing. This helps relax the throat and lessen the sensation of constriction. You've probably seen a speech therapist but, in case you haven't, I highly recommend it. They have exercises and special equipment that can help. They also would be able to offer expertise that I'm afraid I don't have. Hopefully via the Facebook page you'll get more suggestions and helpful comments from other members of the online community. Regards, Lyn
tiffany1711 Member
Explain what vocal chord disfunction is please?
tiffany1711 Member
To rephrase thatcwhat causes vocal chord disfunction? Is it brought on by use inhalers or is it part of having COPD?
tiffany1711 Member
To rephrase that what causes vocal chord disfunction? Is it brought on by use inhalers or is it part of having COPD?
1. Member
 My voice is getting lower and lower. I need to speak with my doctor about this. I thought the change in my voice was due to Prednisone, but it is probably what you said - from the inhalers. I take SYMBICORT, Turdoza and PRO Air rescue inhaler. Which inhalers do you use?
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi 1wikx54 - I think that is a good approach since you indicate that your voice is continually changing pitch. You should definitely see your doctor or an ear/nose/throat specialist to evaluate the condition you describe, which appears to be changing. Please check back with us and let us know how you're doing. Regards, Leon (site moderator)
Member
I am so surprised they are saying it's rare. I have been on oxygen and nebulizers for a decade now and I have it. Also coughing, which I carry throat lozenges and cough medicine. Had mine looked at by a ear, nose, throat doctor and was told to eat applesauce, bananas, yogert, any thing that will coat the throat. Make sure you rinse after using the rescue inhaler. Good luck
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi Valie - we are so pleased you have shared your experience with vocal cord dysfunction with our online community. It sounds like you are doing all you can to take care of yourself. All the best, Leon (site moderator)
morcupine Member
This is a very informative site from a friend, Carol. Her and her husband have VCD. <a href='https://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com/</a> Blessings, Deb