Vocal cord dysfunction, irritant-associated

Category

Airway Disease

Acute/Chronic

Acute-Moderate (not life-threatening)

Synonyms

IVCD

Biomedical References

Comments

Irritant-associated vocal cord dysfunction (IVCD) is a newly described syndrome that may be confused with asthma. Suspect IVCD in a wheezing and dyspneic patient with normal airflow. The case definition includes: no preceding vocal cord disease; onset of symptoms within 24 hours after a single exposure to chemicals, smoke or dust; abnormal laryngoscope exam showing vocal cord adduction during inspiration or early expiration; symptoms of wheezing, coughing, voice change, shortness of breath, and tightness in throat and chest. This syndrome may be associated with anxiety and depression. Reflux of gastric acid may play a role in some cases. Patients may benefit from speech therapy to retrain the vocal cords, but common treatments for asthma are ineffective. [Sullivan, p. 222-3]

Latency/Incubation

Onset within 24 hours

Diagnostic

History; Direct laryngoscopy

ICD-9 Code

478.5

ICD-10 Code

J38.3

Reference Link

Symptoms/Findings

Symptoms/Findings associated with this disease:

• chest tightness
• cough
• dyspnea, acute
• wheezing