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Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD), also called inducible laryngeal obstruction, is inappropriate narrowing of the larynx caused by triggers such as exercise, irritants, or stress. VCD can mimic or occur concomitantly with asthma and probably is an underdiagnosed cause of asthma-like symptoms.
Of 169 patients with poorly controlled asthma symptoms who were evaluated in an Australian respiratory clinic, 63 patients were referred for laryngoscopy (with mannitol stimulation) because of a respiratory specialist's clinical suspicion, a physiotherapist's observation of dysfunctional breathing, and the score on a standardized VCD index (measuring throat tightness and dysphonia, absence of wheezing, and presence of odors as a symptom trigger). Of the 63 p…