Disclaimer [ENGLISH]
Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.
What is Vocal Cord Dysfunction?
- When the vocal cords move in the wrong direction.
- When you breathe in, the vocal cords are supposed to open. In vocal cord dysfunction, they sometimes close instead.
- It occurs more often in children assigned female at birth and can happen throughout childhood and adolescence.
- Common situations that trigger it:
- common colds
- when exercising
- when exposed to environmental irritants, such as strong odors
- stress or anxiety
- It can be mistaken for asthma since both cause trouble breathing.
- Asthma occurs when a child has trouble breathing out.
- It is possible for your child to have both vocal cord dysfunction and asthma.
What are the symptoms of Vocal Cord Dysfunction?
- Feeling short of breath or having trouble breathing. You might hear noisy breathing.
- Throat feeling tight or like they are choking.
- Trouble swallowing.
- Change in voice.
- It tends to occur most when your child is exercising, especially when they are pushing themselves the most.
What is the treatment for Vocal Cord Dysfunction?
- Avoiding any identified triggers, such as a specific strong odor.
- Your child will likely be referred to a Speech Therapist for help with the condition.
- Usually this includes education about what is happening and learning different breathing exercises and relaxation techniques.
- These videos below contain helpful information about some techniques used.
- It is safe for your child to continue to take part in all their daily activities.
- If your child struggles with anxiety or stress look at this website for further help:
- Your child may benefit from seeing a therapist to help manage their anxiety.
- A rescue inhaler like albuterol will not be helpful for this condition, but if your child’s provider wants to evaluate for asthma as well, an inhaler may be prescribed.
How can I prevent my child from having Vocal Cord Dysfunction?
- If referred to a specialist like a Speech Therapist, encourage your child to use the skills they have been taught.
- If your child has asthma or was prescribed any additional medication, be sure to give it as prescribed.
- If your child struggles with anxiety, please see the following article for further help.
- Although you cannot prevent your child from having VCD, you can help minimize triggers.
- Keep a record of when it is happening and what your child was doing or around when it occurred.
- Avoid triggers that can be avoided for their VCD, such as known strong odors or perfumes.
When to contact your child’s healthcare team:
- You think your child has Vocal Cord Dysfunction.
- Your child has trouble breathing.
- Your child’s symptoms are getting worse.
- You have any other questions or concerns.
This publication was adapted from information within American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education Handouts, UpToDate Guidelines, Healthychildren.org and Nemours Children’s Health
Reviewed by: TT D.O, AR D.O. | 03/2024