Settembre 2008 - Volume XXVII - numero 7
Problemi speciali
UO Semplice di Allergologia e Trattamento dell’Asma, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste
Indirizzo per corrispondenza: longog@burlo.trieste.it
Key words: Asthma, Vocal cord dysfunction, Dyspnea
The vocal cord dysfunction syndrome is a disease characterized by short crisis of dyspnea due to a paradoxical movement in adduction of vocal cords, with consequent laringeal narrowing, mainly inspiratory dyspnea/apnea and choking feeling. This manifestation is often interpreted and treated as asthma, also because, usually, these crisis follow physical exercise. The diagnosis is essentially based on the careful collection of the clinical history elements characterizing the dyspnoic crisis and excluding alternative diagnosis (negative physical examination and negative instrumental diagnostical check). This kind of dysfunction is considered as a conversion disease and no pharmacological treatment is available. When just the communication to patients and parents that this illness is harmless and not dangerous is not sufficient to solve the problem, speech therapy and breath re-education are used.
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