Paradoxical Vocal Cord Dysfunction (PVCD)

Paradoxical vocal cord dysfunction (PVCD) is a laryngeal (i.e., voice box) disorder, characterized by abnormal closure (i.e., adduction) of the vocal folds or cords during breathing, resulting in respiratory distress usually in the form of “noise” during inhalation or exhalation. This noise is called stridor and is very distressing to the patient and the family. Usually, these abnormal vocal cord behaviors and the stridor come and go in “episodes,” and the patient will have periods of time when the breathing is quiet. The abnormal behavior can be triggered by exercise, odors, emotions, illness, and sometimes what appears to be for no reason at all. PVCD has also been called paradoxical vocal fold dysfunction, paradoxical vocal fold motion, vocal cord dysfunction, and even laryngeal asthma. This ...