Vocal cord dysfunction, irritant-associated

Disease/Syndrome
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

Symptoms/Findings, Job Tasks, and Agents Linked to This Disease

Symptoms/Findings

Symptoms/Findings associated with this disease: