[Vocal cord dysfunction]

Vocal cord dysfunction is characterized by paradoxical vocal cord adduction, especially during inspiration. Clinical symptoms can mistakenly lead to a diagnosis of asthma. Some patients, thought to be asthmatic, are sometimes considered as having severe asthma. Positive diagnosis rests on the finding of paradoxical vocal cord adduction on laryngoscopic examination. The main limitation of this examination is associated with the intermittent nature of the symptoms. The diagnosis of vocal cord dysfunction can thus be mistakenly ruled out based on the absence of abnormalities on laryngoscopic examination. Therapeutic management focuses on phoniatric rehabilitation.