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Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is a condition affecting the vocal cords. [1] It is characterized by abnormal closure of the vocal folds, which can result in significant difficulties and distress during breathing, particularly during inhalation. [1] Due to the similarity in symptoms, VCD attacks are often mistaken for asthma attacks or laryngospasms.
Laryngospasm is an uncontrolled or involuntary muscular contraction of the vocal folds. [1] It may be triggered when the vocal cords or the area of the trachea below the vocal folds detects the entry of water, mucus, blood, or other substance.
The cough may persist for several weeks afterward with the total duration of symptoms usually around three weeks. [2] [1] Some have symptoms for up to six weeks. [3] In more than 90% of cases, the cause is a viral infection. [1] These viruses may be spread through the air when people cough or by direct contact. [2]
Acute cases usually occur as part of a viral upper respiratory tract infection, [1] other infections, and trauma such as from coughing or other causes. [1] Chronic cases may occur due to smoking, tuberculosis, allergies, acid reflux, rheumatoid arthritis, or sarcoidosis. [1] [3] The underlying mechanism involves irritation of the vocal cords. [2]
Symptoms of spasmodic dysphonia can come on suddenly or gradually appear over the span of years. They can come and go for hours or even weeks at a time, or remain consistent. Gradual onset can begin with the manifestation of a hoarse voice quality, which may later transform into a voice quality described as strained with breaks in phonation. [6]
Post-infection coughs can span months, depending on the virus strain, but seeking medical care at the eight-week mark is crucial to identify other causes. The three main chronic cough causes are ...
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) or laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is the retrograde flow of gastric contents into the larynx, oropharynx and/or the nasopharynx. [4] [5] LPR causes respiratory symptoms such as cough and wheezing [6] and is often associated with head and neck complaints such as dysphonia, globus pharyngis, and dysphagia. [7]
Laryngotracheal stenosis is an umbrella term for a wide and heterogeneous group of very rare conditions. The population incidence of adult post-intubation laryngotracheal stenosis which is the commonest benign sub-type of this condition is approximately 1 in 200,000 adults per year. [10] The main causes of adult laryngotracheal stenosis are: