ETIOLOGIES OF PVCD

Paradoxical vocal cord dysfunction is caused by hyperreactivity of the airway (asthma, bronchitis, GERD), neurogenic etiologies of either a central or peripheral origin (focal laryngeal dystonia, CNS spasticity, brain stem abnormalities, cortex dysfunction), psychological, pharmacological (short or long term drug effects), or other unspecified medical problems (Colton & Casper, 1996 & Andrews, 1999).  High levels of stress often cause PVCD in adolescents and young adult athletes.   This unmanaged stress then results in anxiety type attacks brought on by elevated self expectations and their inability to deal or cope with failure.  Attacks can appear suddenly and be triggered by things such as upper respiratory infection, exposure to tobacco smoke and other fumes or odors, talking or singing, exercise, emotional upset, and/or stress (Brugman & Simons, 1998).

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