Atypical expiratory flow volume curve in an asthmatic patient with vocal cord dysfunction

doi:10.1016/S1081-1206(10)62492-1

Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Volume 86, Issue 4, April 2001, Pages 439-443

https://doi.org/10.1016/S1081-1206(10)62492-1 Get rights and content

Background

Vocal cord dysfunction can coexist with or masquerade as asthma. Vocal cord dysfunction, when coexistent with asthma, contributes substantially to the refractory nature of the respiratory problem.

Objective

To report a case of an asthmatic patient with vocal cord dysfunction and a previously unreported unique expiratory flow volume curve.

Results

A 16-year-old female, known to have asthma, developed increased frequency of her asthma exacerbations. Spirometry, during symptoms, showed an extrathoracic airway obstruction with a reproducible unique abrupt drop and rise in the expiratory flow volume loop. Laryngoscopy showed adduction of the vocal cords during inspiration and expiration.

Conclusions

We report a unique expiratory flow volume curve in an asthmatic with vocal cord dysfunction that resolved with panting maneuvers. Speech and psychological counseling helped prevent future attacks.

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ORIGINAL ARTICLESAtypical expiratory flow volume curve in an asthmatic patient with vocal cord dysfunction

Background

Objective

Results

Conclusions

Chest

J Voice

Gen Hosp Psychiatry

Chest

J Allergy Clin Immunol

J Voice

Vocal-cord dysfunction presenting as asthma

N Engl J Med

ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Atypical expiratory flow volume curve in an asthmatic patient with vocal cord dysfunction