Asthma and VCD

[lucillemae]

I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 17 y.o. .  Since then, I have had quite the struggle with sudden on-set attacks which seem to be triggered by strong odors or extremely hot or cold weather.  Recently, doc has suspected VCD, and I am due to have a spiro. next month.  Here's my question -- if it is found that I have VCD, is it possible that I do have asthma as well?  I do get wheezing and tightness in the lungs after/with the coughing spells.  If so, how will I be able to treat this from day to day?  My attacks come on so suddenly and so violently that they become quite frightening to myself and others.  Also, is it possible for VCD to be a genetic disorder?  My mom is also being sent for VCD testing.

Thanks for your time!

[National Jewish]

Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) is a condition that can mimic asthma.  However, VCD is not helped by asthma medicines.  While inhaling the vocal cords should open to let air into the lungs.  With VCD the vocal cords close together during inhalation.  This makes it difficult for air to get into the lungs.  Upper respiratory infections, fumes, odors, cigarette smoke, singing, emotional upset, post-nasal drip and exercise may trigger VCD.  Sometimes the trigger is not known.  Testing needs to be done while you are having symptoms.  Breathing tests may be normal, but the “breathing in” or inspiratory part, also called a flow volume loop will show little airflow while you are inhaling.  A laryngoscopy is a procedure done by a specialized doctor using a camera at the end of a flexible tube to see how your vocal cords open and close.  VCD is treated by a speech therapist who will instruct you in open throat breathing techniques.  Counseling can help you identify and deal positively with chronic stress, which may be an underlying factor in VCD.  Please read our Vocal Cord Dysfunction MedFact at http://www.nationaljewish.org/medfacts/vocal.html for more information.
It certainly is possible to have both asthma and VCD.  If you do have both it will be important to work with your doctor and speech therapist to learn how to differentiate between the two and treat them appropriately.  There is no known genetic factor.

[starion]

Yes, folks CAN & DO have BOTH VCD & asthma.  If you are diagnosed with both, you and your docs need to set up a written treatment plan and you will learn to control BOTH conditions, as well as learn how to distinguish between the conditions.
Hopefully, once you are on a good maintenance plan for both conditions, you will have attacks much less frequently and those you have will be much less severe.  

With my asthma, I find that when my lung function is under optimum control, I am much less likely to have my condition set off by triggers.

Asthma has a proven genetic link--kids of asthmatics are more likely to be asthmatics themselves.  I've never read of any genetic link for VCD, but (for what it's worth) women are more frequently diagnosd with VCD than men.

Aloha,
Starion