Management via Breathing Techniques

After initial diagnosis of Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) I was very sceptical.  In fact, I thought the specialist physician had made a huge mistake!  I was utterly stunned to realise that rather than prescribe me an inhaler or oral medication, he was simply referring me to a Speech Pathologist!  

During the months I had to wait to see the Speech Pathologist (SP), I struggled daily with this newly diagnosed condition.  In a futile attempt to try to breathe a bit easier I know I overused my asthma medications.  Finally, my appointment rolled around and I attended the local hospital where the SP (who specialises in this condition) had her office.  To say I had a complete turn around in my mind set (from my first diagnosis, then to meeting with the SP) is an understatement.  I felt relieved and intrigued.  I was amazed that the SP was able to explain exactly the symptoms I was experiencing and confirming that the asthma medications were providing no relief at all. 

Rather than feeling distressed at the thought that no "magic pill" was going to cure me, I was intrigued by the fact that simply implementing a range of breathing techniques was going to be the answer.  

The SP provided me with a number of different techniques.  Some worked well, others not so well.  The main problem I have observed since being diagnosed as a "VCD sufferer" is that once my breathing is well controlled I tend to forget to do my breathing exercises, which then leads to a gradual rise in VCD symptoms (coughing, shortness of breath, etc).  Slowly I have realised it is crucial to continue with my breathing exercises daily, whether my symptoms are present or not.  For this reason I have included a link (under the tab titled:  "Exercises") to an article by Kate Holcombe on the Yoga Journal website.  This article outlines three breathing techniques which help keep your breathing in check, with the added benefit of reducing stress!  How's that for a win-win situation?!  

I hope you get some benefit after reading and practicing the different techniques mentioned in the article Yoga Journal website, titled:  "Breathe Easy:  Relax with Pranayama".  

N.B.  Credit to Kate Holcombe of the Healing Yoga Foundation for this article.  For more information please follow the link 
http://www.yogajournal.com/article/practice-section/healing-breath/

What is Vocal Cord Dysfunction?

If you (or someone you know) has been diagnosed with Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) this means that the vocal cords do not act normally. Simply put, it means that instead of your vocal cords opening up when you breathe in and out, your vocal cords close. This closing of your vocal cords makes it harder to get air into and/or out of your lungs.

Some of the common signs and symptoms of VCD:

- Feeling short of breath or feeling that it is hard to get air into or out of your lungs. 
- Tightness in the throat or chest. 
- Frequent coughing or the need to clear your throat.

An onset of VCD can be sudden and may (at times) require admission to hospital.  However, even if an attack is severe, the oxygen level in your blood is usually found to be normal. This is not the case during an asthma attack.  And unlike asthma, VCD symptoms do not tend to occur during sleep.

Please be aware it takes the diagnosis of a specialist, usually a respiratory physician, to make this diagnosis.  Many GP's will often diagnose these symptoms as asthma. 

This blog is intended to provide information about the condition known as Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD).

Please make sure you see your General Physician (GP), or respiratory physician for correct diagnosis and treatment. VCD is often mistaken for asthma. However, many VCD sufferers are also asthmatic. Therefore it is crucial you know exactly what medical treatment you require to keep your asthma under control.

I was diagnosed with this condition approximately two years ago and have been struggling on and off with my breathing.  At times I find it quite distressing and have difficulty performing normal day to day activities.  In moments of desperation I search the net for any glimmer of assistance, but have found it difficult to find information.  Therefore I intend to use this blog as a source of reference for fellow sufferers to be able to locate information on breathing techniques and links to medical sites for further information.

Please feel free to read this information, but remember, you MUST SEE YOUR DOCTOR before starting any form of treatment.  The information on this site is not intended to replace advice from your medical professional.