• Reviewed on 1/11
    By Speech-Language Pathologists

    • Carly Bergey, MA, CCC-SLP
    • Julie Bergquist, MA, CCC-SLP
    • Heather Hodges, MA, CCC-SLP
    • Kristina Johnston, MA, CCC-SLP
    • Courtney Millar, MA, CCC-SLP

      View full profiles

Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD): Symptoms


The primary reason vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) [or paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM)] is confused with asthma is because the two respiratory diseases share similar symptoms.

Patients with VCD may experience the following symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest and/or throat tightness
  • Chronic cough
  • Frequent throat clearing
  • Intermittent hoarseness
  • Wheezing/stridor
  • Difficulty with inhalation and/or exhalation
  • Feeling they are "breathing through a straw"

VCD Programs

National Jewish Health offers a variety of programs that can help treat people with known or suspected vocal cord dysfunction (vcd). 

Learn more.