Vocal Cord Dysfunction

Question 1

Clinical features of vocal cord dysfunction : signs and symptoms:

Answer 1

inspiratory stridor and wheezing
dyspnea, cough, dysphonia
throat tightness, choking sensation

Question 2

etiologies and triggers of vocal cord dysfunction

Answer 2

psychosocial stressors (Depression)
exercise post operative
GERD
irritants (smoke and cleaning chemicals)

Question 3

diagnosis of vocal cord dysfunction

Answer 3

pulmonary function testing can be normal
flattening of inspiratory loop on flow volume curves
laryngoscopy demonstrating vocal cord adduction

Question 4

paradoxical vocal fold motion is

Answer 4

describes abnormal adduction of true vocal cords during inspiration

often can be misdiagnosed as asthma but lacks typical asthma characteristics (night time symptoms, response to beta agonists and glucocorticoids)

Question 5

what is definitive for vocal cord diagnosis

Answer 5

flow volume loop; may have normal spirometry

Question 6

pt has dyspnea, throat tightness or choking sensation, dysphonia, inspiratory wheezing. what do they have

Answer 6

vocal cord dysfunction

will see inspiratory wheezing instead of expiratory wheezing in asthma or cough)

Question 7

most common trigger for vocal cord dysfunction

Answer 7

psychosocial stressors

Question 8

Treatment of vocal cord dysfunction

Answer 8

supportive care during acute episodes and speech therapy/counseling for long term care.