VCD: Symptoms Make an Appointment Refer a Patient Ask a Question Reviewed by J. Tod Olin, MD, MSCS (September 01, 2017) Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD), is also called inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO). It is often confused with asthma. These two respiratory diseases share similar symptoms. People with VCD/ILO may experience the following symptoms: Severe shortness of breath Feeling like they are "breathing through a straw" Stridor or wheezing Chest and/or throat tightness Coughing Frequent throat clearing Intermittent hoarseness When VCD/ILO is not correctly identified, it is often treated with asthma medicines. VCD/ILO is a separate diagnosis from asthma. VCD/ILO symptoms do not improve with asthma treatments. Incorrect diagnosis and treatment may lead to frequent emergency room visits. It may also lead to using oral steroid medicine. Sometimes the wrong diagnosis leads to hospitalization. There are side effects of taking asthma medicine when you don’t have asthma. If you have both asthma and VCD/ILO, you will need to be treated appropriately for both conditions. VCD: Triggers VCD: Diagnosis Clinical Trials For more than 100 years, National Jewish Health has been committed to finding new treatments and cures for diseases. Search our clinical trials.
Reviewed by J. Tod Olin, MD, MSCS (September 01, 2017) Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD), is also called inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO). It is often confused with asthma. These two respiratory diseases share similar symptoms. People with VCD/ILO may experience the following symptoms: Severe shortness of breath Feeling like they are "breathing through a straw" Stridor or wheezing Chest and/or throat tightness Coughing Frequent throat clearing Intermittent hoarseness When VCD/ILO is not correctly identified, it is often treated with asthma medicines. VCD/ILO is a separate diagnosis from asthma. VCD/ILO symptoms do not improve with asthma treatments. Incorrect diagnosis and treatment may lead to frequent emergency room visits. It may also lead to using oral steroid medicine. Sometimes the wrong diagnosis leads to hospitalization. There are side effects of taking asthma medicine when you don’t have asthma. If you have both asthma and VCD/ILO, you will need to be treated appropriately for both conditions. VCD: Triggers VCD: Diagnosis