Is vocal cord dysfunction considered a disability?

Is vocal cord dysfunction considered a disability?

Virtually any voice disorder, whether acute or chronic, has the potential to be recognized as a disability even if symptoms are not consistent. Even a person whose symptoms might be more prominent at the end of a workday or towards the end of a workweek might now qualify for workplace accommodations.

How serious is vocal cord dysfunction?

VCD can feel life-threatening, but it actually isn’t. Most people have VCD episodes only once in a while, with mild or minor symptoms. Others have episodes that are severe or occur more frequently.

What kind of doctor do you see for vocal cord dysfunction?

Vocal cord dysfunction is treated by an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT, also called an otolaryngologist), a pulmonologist, and a speech therapist. They work together to help the child learn to relax the vocal cords while breathing. Treatment for vocal cord dysfunction may also include: practicing breathing exercises.

Does vocal cord dysfunction make you tired?

Just like your legs can get tired from running, your voice can get tired when you use it for a long time. Our voice therapists recommend that for every 60 minutes of voice use, you need 10 minutes of voice rest.

What does vocal cord dysfunction sound like?

Vocal cord dysfunction, which can be triggered by exercise, causes the vocal cords to fully or partially close while breathing in, leading to a high-pitched whistling sound. Most athletes occasionally feel short of breath while running or exercising.

How do you get rid of vocal cord dysfunction?

Treatment for vocal cord dysfunction is often nonmedicinal and involves respiratory retraining therapy with a qualified speech-language pathologist. Therapy generally requires two to six 60-minute sessions. These sessions aim to: Identify and eliminate sources of chronic throat irritation.

Do inhalers help vocal cord dysfunction?

People suffering from VCD can sometimes present with stridor, or high pitched wheezing heard while breathing in. Asthmatics typically respond well to inhalers, whereas symptoms will not improve for isolated VCD.

Is vocal cord dysfunction rare?

In VCD, the vocal cords come together when you breathe in, instead of opening up. VCD episodes occur for a period of time and then go away. Because VCD is rare, your child’s doctor may misdiagnose it as asthma.

Can anxiety cause vocal cord dysfunction?

Stress and Anxiety

Recent research has shown that under periods of stress, the muscles that control the voice box become tense. Periods of prolonged muscle tension in the voice box can lead to an incoordination of the vocal control system.

Can a VCD life threaten?

VCD is not life-threatening, but a severe asthma attack or anaphylaxis can be.

Does anxiety cause vocal cord dysfunction?

Primary MTD can be associated with stress and anxiety. Recent research has shown that under periods of stress, the muscles that control the voice box become tense. Periods of prolonged muscle tension in the voice box can lead to an incoordination of the vocal control system.