Vocal cord dysfunction: A functional cause of respiratory distress

Abstract

Initially described as hysteria and then Munchausen’s stridor, we now recognise vocal cord dysfunction as several disorders. Exercise-induced and spontaneously occurring phenotypes exist that benefit from different treatments. The former appears to respond to pharmacological pre-treatment with an anticholinergic aerosol; vocal cord training is the recommended treatment for the latter. The differential diagnosis includes consideration of neurological and anatomical abnormalities. Recognition and effective treatment is important to avoid misdiagnosis that results in unnecessary and ineffective medical care.