Vocal cord dysfunction: an often misdiagnosed condition

Abstract

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is the abnormal adduction of the vocal cords during inspiration or expiration that results in varying degrees of airway obstruction. VCD is more common in female patients and usually presents during childhood or adolescence and continues up to age 40 years. Studies have found an increased prevalence of VCD in female athletes and academic high-achievers compared with the general population. VCD is often misdiagnosed as asthma or exercise-induced bronchospasms because of similarities in clinical presentation. As misdiagnosis results in inappropriate pharmacotherapy, it is important for the pharmacist to have a thorough understanding of VCD to differentiate it from asthma and exercise-induced bronchospasms.

Keywords

• bronchospasm
• exercise-induced bronchospasms
• vocal cord dysfunction