Irritable Larynx Syndrome with Dyspnea

An irritable larynx syndrome is characterized by a sudden episodic dyspnea and dysphonia that is difficult to diagnose, and patients are often treated unnecessarily and/or too much. A correct diagnosis can be made by monitoring the larynx closing in the reversed direction during inhalation and posterior chink with videolaryngoscopy and by measuring a decrease in air flow volume during inhalation with a lung function test. Patients can be effectively treated with thorough differential diagnosis. Medications targeting precipitating factors, physical therapy sessions to improve abnormal larynx movement, counseling to reduce patients'anxiety rising from dyspnea, and etc. can effectively alleviate symptoms.

A Case of Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion with Dyspnea and Stridor / 대한이비인후과학회지

Paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM) is a rare disorder, characterized by episodic glottic obstruction in which the vocal folds are adducted on respiration. The disorder may aggravate airway obstruction and result in respiratory failure; therefore, a proper diagnosis by the otolaryngologist is critical to subsequent treatment. A review of literature shows that the effective treatment is psychotherapy, breathing education, biofeedback, anti-reflux medications, and most importantly, botulinum toxin injection to both vocal folds. We report a case with PVFM, effectively treated with above modalities.