Diagnosing vocal cord dysfunction in young athletes.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of the pathophysiology, steps in making a diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment methods for vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) in young athletes.


METHODS
Review of published literature about VCD and exercise-induced asthma (EIA) and a case study.


CONCLUSIONS
The clinical presentation of VCD is often confusing. A young athlete who is having difficulty "catching his breath" may have more than EIA. Young athletes who have been previously diagnosed with EIA may actually have VCD.


CONCLUSIONS
The ability to correctly differentiate VCD from other causes of respiratory distress can lead to accurate interventions, save precious time in an acute situation, and promote long-term control of this condition.
Rhodes
Rea Kae
RK
rrhodes@health.usf.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D001250:Asthma, Exercise-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D006990:Hypnosis; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010808:Physical Examination; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods; D011613:Psychotherapy; D013070:Speech Therapy; D013550:Swimming; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy