Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD): Associated Conditions

Many people with vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) have problems with postnasal drip (from chronic nasal and/or sinus congestion), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). This relationship may be one of cause and effect because these two conditions can lead to chronic irritation of the throat that then causes the vocal cords to become hypersensitive to irritant stimuli. In the case of postnasal drip, excess mucus and congestion can cause problems, while in the case of GERD, stomach acid can cause damage to areas in the proximity of the vocal cords.

This information has been approved by Marcy Hicks, MS, CCC-SLP (July 2006).