All issues > Volume 47(5); 2004

Case Report

Korean J Pediatr. 2004;47(5):574-578. Published online May 15, 2004.

A Case of Vocal Cord Dysfunction

Jeoung A JA Her¹, Hee Kyoung HK Choi¹, Chang Hee CH Son¹, Young Min YM Ahn¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, Kangnam General Hospital Public Co., Seoul, Korea

Correspondence Young Min YM Ahn ,Email: ymahn@kangnamhosp.or.kr

Abstract

Vocal cord dysfunction is a recently described entity in which paradoxical adduction of the vocal cords produces airflow obstruction at the level of the larynx. Recurrent wheezing results, which may imitate asthma. Inspiratory closure of the cords can also cause stridor, commonly misdiagnosed as an upper airway obstruction of undefined cause. The acute presentation is often dramatic and has led to inappropriate treatment, including intubation, tracheotomy, or high doses of steroids. We present the case of a 9 yr old boy with allergic rhinitis who was referred to us for the evaluation of wheezing and dyspnea which did not respond to asthma management. Pulmonary function tests had abnormal inspiratory phases and laryngoscopy revealed typical adduction of the vocal cord during inspiration. Psychological tests suggested anxiety and tension with repressed aggression. There have been no further episodes, possibly due to counseling and education of relaxed throat breathing as well as avoidance of inhaled medication.

Keywords :Vocal cord dysfunction, Asthma, Spirometry, Laryngoscopy