Vocal cord dysfunction is an uncommon condition characterised by adduction of the vocal cords that can masquerade as or coexist with bronchial asthma. The glottic dysfunction is due to a functional (non-organic) cause. If unrecognised, incorrect diagnosis may result in patients being unnecessarily treated as having refractory or severe asthma with high doses of corticosteroids. This may result in unwarranted steroid toxicity.
Clues that should raise clinical suspicion to the diagnosis of vocal cord dysfunction include lack of response to bronchodilators, poor reproducibility of spirometric indices due to inconsistent effort and truncation of the inspiratory limb of the flow-volume loop. Definitive diagnosis is made by direct visualisation of the vocal cords during an attack. We report two patients with vocal cord dysfunction and review the literature on this disorder.
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The author(s) declare there are no affiliations with or involvement in any organisation or entity with any financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.
