Article in USA Today on Vocal Cord Dysfunction

I read this article in USA Today on vocal cord dysfunction and though this condition does exist, I do believe it is over-diagnosed. Another common cause of stridor with exercise is due to non-organic stridor where the vocal cords are so pliable, they vibrate even when they are widely apart, especially in young female athletes.

The key for diagnosis is to perform a fiberoptic laryngoscopy when symptommatic. Previous patients of mine know that I make them run laps around our office building until they start having symptoms at which time I will perform the exam. Here is more info on this particular topic.