What You Can Do To Manage Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD)

Ever feel like you’re gasping for air and nothing seems to help? Whether it’s mid-workout, while you’re relaxing, or during a stressful moment, struggling to breathe is terrifying. But what if your “asthma” isn’t asthma at all? You could be dealing with Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD)—a sneaky condition often misdiagnosed as asthma but rooted in your vocal cords.

Let’s break down what VCD is, why it happens, and, most importantly, what you can do to manage it.

What is Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD)?

Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) is a condition where your vocal cords don’t work the way they should. Normally, they stay open to let air in and out when you breathe. But with VCD, they close up when you try to breathe in, making it hard to get air into your lungs. This can make you feel like you’re choking, lead to a high-pitched wheezing sound, and make breathing downright difficult.

VCD is often confused with asthma, but the two are quite different:

• VCD happens when the vocal cords close, restricting airflow in your throat.
• Asthma is about inflammation and narrowing of the airways in your lungs.

Still, many people are diagnosed with asthma and treated with inhalers that do nothing for their actual condition: VCD.

What Causes VCD?

VCD doesn’t have one clear cause, but several common triggers can set it off. Here’s a quick breakdown of things that could be behind your VCD:

Common Triggers for VCD:

1. Inhaled Irritants: Things like smoke, dust, chemicals, and even strong perfumes can irritate your vocal cords and cause them to close up.
2. Exercise: Athletes often struggle with exercise-induced VCD—when intense physical activity triggers an episode of breathlessness.
3. GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): Acid reflux can irritate the throat and vocal cords, leading to VCD episodes.
4. Stress & Anxiety: Your mental state can play a huge role in VCD. Anxiety, stress, or panic attacks can cause your vocal cords to tighten.
5. Allergies: Allergies, especially those causing nasal congestion, can lead to more throat irritation and increase the chances of a VCD episode.

Quick Tip: Tracking your symptoms is key. Try to note when and where you experience episodes of breathlessness—are you stressed, exercising, or exposed to an irritant? Knowing what sets off your VCD can help you avoid triggers.

How Do You Know If You Have VCD? (Symptoms to Watch For)

VCD can feel a lot like asthma, but here’s how you can tell the difference. Look out for these common symptoms of VCD:

• Stridor: A high-pitched, wheezing sound that happens when you breathe in.
• Throat Tightness: You might feel like your throat is closing up or like you can’t get enough air.
• Hoarseness: Because VCD involves your vocal cords, your voice might sound rough or raspy during or after an episode.
• Frequent Coughing: Throat irritation from VCD can lead to frequent coughing or clearing your throat.

Now imagine you're running or dealing with a high-pressure situation, and suddenly your throat feels tight—you can’t breathe, and it’s like someone is squeezing your windpipe. This is often what VCD feels like. The frustrating part? Inhalers won’t fix it.

How is VCD Diagnosed?

Getting the right diagnosis for VCD is crucial because many people are misdiagnosed with asthma. Here’s how doctors typically figure out if you have VCD:

1. Pulmonary Function Tests: These tests check how well your lungs are working. In asthma, you’ll see difficulty exhaling, but with VCD, the issue is mostly when you inhale.
2. Laryngoscopy: This test involves a small camera being inserted through your nose or mouth to watch how your vocal cords move. If they close up when they shouldn’t, that’s a sign of VCD.
3. Flow-Volume Loop Test: This measures your airflow during inhalation and exhalation. VCD typically shows a restricted inspiratory loop, meaning you have trouble pulling air into your lungs.

Pro Tip: If your asthma treatments aren’t working and you’re still having breathing issues, ask your doctor about VCD. You can also book a telemedicine consultation with HeyAllergy’s experts to discuss your symptoms and next steps.

How Can You Treat VCD?

Treating VCD isn’t as straightforward as popping a pill or using an inhaler. Here’s what works for most people with VCD:

Top Treatments for VCD:

1. Breathing Techniques: Speech therapy is one of the best treatments for VCD. A speech therapist will teach you how to control your breathing and relax your vocal cords during an episode, as explained by Duke Health. 
2. Trigger Management: Avoiding known triggers like smoke, dust, or stressful situations can help prevent episodes.
3. GERD Treatment: If acid reflux is behind your VCD, treating GERD with medication and lifestyle changes can help reduce throat irritation.
4. Telemedicine: If you want to get treated without multiple office visits, HeyAllergy’s telemedicine platform offers virtual consultations. You can get guidance from a specialist on how to manage your VCD from the comfort of your home.

Why Telemedicine is a Game-Changer for VCD

Living with VCD can feel limiting, but with telemedicine, you don’t have to wait for weeks to see a specialist. You can meet with speech therapists, allergists, or pulmonologists virtually to get the help you need. For athletes, busy professionals, or anyone balancing life with chronic conditions, telemedicine allows you to get the right care, on your schedule.

Vocal Cord Dysfunction can be scary and confusing, especially if you’ve been misdiagnosed with asthma. But with the right diagnosis and treatment, you can regain control over your breathing and prevent those frustrating episodes.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a telemedicine consultation with HeyAllergy today. We’re here to help you get the right diagnosis and start a treatment plan that works.