Diagnosing and treating vocal cord dysfunction.

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is a respiratory disease in which the vocal cords close during breathing. It is often associated with acute signs and symptoms of upper airway obstruction, and is commonly mistaken for asthma. A lack of knowledge of the condition and limited research can make VCD hard to manage. This article discusses the causes and signs and symptoms of VCD, and how to diagnose and treat the condition. It also explores staff awareness of VCD, and how specialist multidisciplinary clinics dedicated to treating the condition can improve care in complex breathless management.