Our Summary

This research paper talks about a case of vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) in a patient with severe asthma. VCD often goes hand in hand with asthma, making the breathing problems worse. In this case, a 74-year-old woman who had hard-to-treat asthma was studied. She had already tried a common asthma treatment, but it didn’t work for her. The doctors used a non-invasive method to monitor her condition, using a technique that creates a colored 3D image of the patient’s breathing.

Usually, when doctors examined her lungs, the tests came back normal. But the 3D imaging showed unusual spikes in resistance during the inhalation phase, suggesting there was an issue with her vocal cords. A more detailed examination confirmed this. The patient was diagnosed with VCD in addition to her asthma. After undergoing speech therapy to treat the VCD, the spikes in resistance disappeared and her vocal cords were moving normally again.

In simple terms, this study shows that using this 3D imaging technique can help doctors spot VCD in patients with asthma, and monitor how well the treatment is working.

FAQs

  1. What is vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) and how is it related to asthma?
  2. How can 3D imaging help in diagnosing and treating VCD in patients with asthma?
  3. What treatment methods were used in this case study to treat the patient’s VCD and how effective were they?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about vocal cord surgery is to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by the medical team. This may include vocal rest, avoiding certain foods or activities, and attending follow-up appointments for monitoring progress. It’s important to give your vocal cords time to heal properly in order to achieve the best possible outcome from the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended vocal cord surgery include those who have:

  1. Vocal cord paralysis: This condition occurs when one or both vocal cords are unable to move. It can cause difficulty speaking, breathing, and swallowing.

  2. Vocal cord nodules or polyps: These are noncancerous growths on the vocal cords that can cause hoarseness, pain, and difficulty speaking.

  3. Vocal cord cancer: Surgery may be recommended to remove cancerous growths on the vocal cords.

  4. Spasmodic dysphonia: This is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary spasms of the vocal cords, leading to a strained or strangled voice.

  5. Vocal cord trauma: Injuries to the vocal cords, such as from excessive yelling or singing, may require surgical intervention to repair the damage.

  6. Chronic laryngitis: If inflammation of the vocal cords persists despite conservative treatments, surgery may be considered to improve vocal function.

Overall, patients with severe vocal cord disorders that significantly impact their quality of life or ability to communicate may be recommended for vocal cord surgery. It is important for patients to discuss their specific condition and treatment options with a qualified otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) to determine the most appropriate course of action.

Timeline

Before vocal cord surgery:

  • Patient experiences difficulty breathing, hoarseness, or other vocal issues
  • Patient may undergo tests such as laryngoscopy or 3D imaging to diagnose vocal cord dysfunction
  • Speech therapy may be recommended as a first line of treatment
  • If speech therapy is unsuccessful, vocal cord surgery may be recommended

After vocal cord surgery:

  • Patient undergoes vocal cord surgery to correct the dysfunction
  • Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery performed
  • Patient may experience temporary hoarseness or difficulty speaking after surgery
  • Follow-up appointments with a speech therapist or doctor may be necessary to monitor progress and ensure proper healing
  • Patient may experience improved vocal function and breathing after surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with vocal cord surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of vocal cord surgery in treating conditions such as VCD?
  3. What is the recovery process like after vocal cord surgery?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies for VCD that I should consider before opting for surgery?
  5. How long will it take for me to see improvement in my symptoms after vocal cord surgery?
  6. Will I need to undergo any additional tests or procedures before the surgery?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  8. How experienced is the surgical team in performing vocal cord surgeries?
  9. What lifestyle changes or precautions should I take after vocal cord surgery to promote healing and prevent complications?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after undergoing vocal cord surgery?

Reference

Authors: Oda A, Otani T, Iwamoto H, Nishida M, Horibe Y, Yamaguchi K, Sakamoto S, Horimasu Y, Masuda T, Miyamoto S, Nakashima T, Fujitaka K, Hamada H, Takeno S, Hattori N. Journal: J Asthma. 2022 Jun;59(6):1157-1161. doi: 10.1080/02770903.2021.1910294. Epub 2021 Apr 14. PMID: 33781154