Do I Have Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD)?

Are you a woman between 20 and 40?

Do you have difficulty breathing, especially when breathing in (inhaling or getting air in)?

Do you have shortness of breath (difficult to fully get air into your lungs)?

Do you have a feeling of tightness in the throat or chest?

Do you sometimes feel like you're going to choke or suffocate (also called air hunger)?

Do you have noisy breathing, when you breathe you hear wheezing or raspy sound (stridor)?

Do you cough frequently or clear your throat?

Do you have a hoarse voice or experiencing voice changes?

Do you have a weak voice or an inability to speak?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have vocal cord dysfunction (VCD). Vocal Cord Dysfunction is a medical condition in which your vocal cords do not open correctly. The symptoms of VCD can be triggered by inhaling irritants, a cold or viral infection, exercising, acid reflux (GERD) or strong emotions and stress. Asthma can have many similar symptoms to VCD. If you have any kind of breathing difficulty consult whit your doctor for further analysis. Your doctor may recommend that you discuss your symptoms with an allergist or immunologist.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have vocal cord dysfunction (VCD). Normally, the vocal cords are open when we breathe and close when we speak or swallow. Vocal cord dysfunction is a medical condition in which your vocal cords are close when you breathe, making it difficult for air to get into or out of the lungs. There are various possible causes for VCD such as tobacco smoke, strong odors, cold, acid reflux (GERD), exercise or stressful situations. The symptoms of VCD can mimic asthma or people whit asthma can have VCD as well, so diagnosis can be challenging.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have vocal cord dysfunction (VCD). Your vocal cord changes their position when you breathe or speak; they are open when you breathe and closed when you speak or swallow. Vocal cord dysfunction means that your vocal cords are closed while you are breathing resulting in breathing difficulty. Treatment for VCD usually involves activities that help you learn to control your vocal cords such as speech therapy and deep breathing techniques. If you have other health problems like allergies, asthma or GERD you need to manage this condition as well in order to keep VCD under control.