Vocal cord dysfunction associated with exercise in adolescent girls.

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) has been reported in adolescents only rarely. Two patients are described whose initial diagnosis was exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB). However, evaluation revealed inspiratory stridor and flattening of the inspiratory limb of the flow-volume curve. Flexible fiberoptic rhinolaryngoscopy revealed adduction of vocal cords during inspiration. Patients were treated with speech therapy and have remained free of symptoms. VCD should be considered in adolescents who are unresponsive to treatment for EIB.