Ah. Bahrainwala et al., Atypical expiratory flow volume curve in an asthmatic patient with vocal cord dysfunction, ANN ALLER A, 86(4), 2001, pp. 439-443
Background: Vocal cord dysfunction can coexist with or masquerade as asthma
. Vocal cord dysfunction, when coexistent with asthma, contributes substant
ially to the refractory nature of the respiratory problem.
Objective: To report a case of an asthmatic patient with vocal cord dysfunc
tion and a previously unreported unique expiratory flow volume curve.
Results: A 16-year-old female, known to have asthma, developed increased fr
equency of her asthma exacerbations. Spirometry, during symptoms, showed an
extrathoracic airway obstruction with a reproducible unique abrupt drop an
d rise in the expiratory flow volume loop. Laryngoscopy showed adduction of
the vocal cords during inspiration and expiration.
Conclusions: We report a unique expiratory flow volume curve in an asthmati
c with vocal cord dysfunction that resolved with panting maneuvers. Speech
and psychological counseling helped prevent future attacks.