How do you treat vocal cord dysfunction?

Treatment for vocal cord dysfunction is often nonmedicinal and involves respiratory retraining therapy with a qualified speech-language pathologist. Therapy generally requires two to six 60-minute sessions. These sessions aim to: Identify and eliminate sources of chronic throat irritation.

What are the symptoms of a damaged voice box?

Symptoms

  • Hoarseness.
  • Weak voice or voice loss.
  • Tickling sensation and rawness in your throat.
  • Sore throat.
  • Dry throat.
  • Dry cough.

How long does it take to recover from vocal cord dysfunction?

Initial treatment, even in mild cases needs to be for 3 to 6 months. This should re-establish a healthy vocal cord pattern. In other cases of more persistent VCD, indefinite prophylactic treatment may be warranted with the aim of improving quality of life and avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions and treatments.

What does vocal cord dysfunction sound like?

Vocal cord dysfunction, which can be triggered by exercise, causes the vocal cords to fully or partially close while breathing in, leading to a high-pitched whistling sound. Most athletes occasionally feel short of breath while running or exercising.

Is vocal cord dysfunction serious?

VCD can feel life-threatening, but it actually isn’t. Most people have VCD episodes only once in a while, with mild or minor symptoms. Others have episodes that are severe or occur more frequently.

Can you outgrow vocal cord dysfunction?

Can Vocal Cord Dysfunction be cured? Yes, a speech therapist, psychologist and your doctor can work with your child to control the VCD. Treatment will depend on the cause.

Can a damaged voice box be repaired?

Treatment may include voice therapy, bulk injections, surgery or a combination of treatments. In some instances, you may get better without surgical treatment. For this reason, your doctor may delay permanent surgery for at least a year from the beginning of your vocal cord paralysis.

Is VCD life threatening?

Is vocal cord dysfunction a mental illness?

Abstract. Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is a respiratory disorder often confused with asthma.

Is VCD mental?

It is now recognized that VCD is not solely psychological; therefore, the terminology has evolved to include factitious asthma, irritable larynx syndrome, paradoxical vocal-fold motion, paradoxical vocal cord dysfunction, and refractory asthma.

How do I strengthen my larynx and voice box?

As an example, you may be asked to perform the following exercises:

  1. Take a deep breath and hold it. Keep holding your breath while you swallow.
  2. Inhale and hold your breath very tightly. Bear down (like you are having a bowel movement).
  3. Take a breath.
  4. Hold your breath tightly.
  5. Hold your breath tightly.