Paradoxical vocal fold motion dysfunction in asthma patients

• Published in: Respirology (Carlton, Vic.) Vic.), 2009-07, Vol.14 (5), p.729-733
• Main Authors: YELKEN, Kursat, YILMAZ, Ayse, GUVEN, Mehmet, EYIBILEN, Ahmet, ALADAG, Ibrahim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; asthma; Asthma - complications; Asthma - diagnosis; Asthma - physiopathology; Case-Control Studies; Cough - etiology; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea - etiology; Female; Humans; Laryngeal Diseases - diagnosis; Laryngeal Diseases - epidemiology; Laryngeal Diseases - physiopathology; Laryngoscopy; Male; Middle Aged; paradoxical vocal fold motion dysfunction; Prevalence; Respiratory Function Tests; Respiratory Sounds - etiology; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index; Vocal Cords - physiopathology
• ISSN: 1323-7799; 1440-1843
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2009.01568.x

ABSTRACT Background and objective:  Paradoxical vocal fold motion dysfunction (PVFMD) is a disorder of the larynx characterized by adduction of the vocal cords during the respiratory cycle leading to symptoms of extrathoracic airway obstruction. PVFMD mimics asthma and patients with PVFMD (PVFMD+) are often diagnosed incorrectly as refractory asthma and receive unnecessary treatment. This study determined the prevalence of PVFMD in asthma patients and describedthe relationship between asthma and PVFMD. Methods:  A descriptive study of 94 asthmatic patients and 40 control subjects, all of whom were examined via laryngoscopy and had pulmonary function tests were performed. Results:  The prevalence of PVFMD was 19% (n = 18) in the asthmatic group and 5% (n = 2) in the control group (P  0.05). Laryngopharyngeal reflux and allergy were significantly more prevalent in the PVFMD+ group than in the group without PVFMD (PVFMD−) (P