Vocal cord dysfunction, paradoxic vocal fold motion, or laryngomalacia? Our understanding requires an interdisciplinary approach.

This article presents disorders of periodic occurrence of laryngeal obstruction (POLO) resulting in noisy breathing and dyspnea and a variety of secondary symptoms. Included in this classification are glottic disorders, such as paradoxic vocal fold movement and vocal cord dysfunction. The supraglottic disorder, termed, intermittent arytenoid region prolapse or laryngomalacia, is also reviewed. Three categories of POLO are defined as irritant, exertional, and psychological.