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
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