Psychophysiologic treatment of vocal cord dysfunction

Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2003 Jun;90(6):669-71. doi: 10.1016/S1081-1206(10)61874-1.

Abstract

Background: Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is an obstructive upper airway syndrome that frequently mimics asthma and for which there is no empirical treatment of choice.

Objective: To describe two military service members experiencing VCD who were treated with psychophysiologic self-regulation training.

Methods: Both cases were active-duty military members with VCD confirmed by laryngoscopy They each received biofeedback self-regulation training to decrease tension in the extrinsic laryngeal musculature.

Results: Both patients responded to the treatment, denied the presence of dsypnea, and had resumed military physical training.

Conclusions: Psychophysiologic self-regulation strategies both with and without concurrent speech therapy positively impacted VCD symptoms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laryngoscopy
  • Male
  • Military Personnel
  • Syndrome
  • United States
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis / diagnosis
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis / psychology*
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis / therapy*