NYMC Faculty Publications

A Trigger Reduction Approach to Treatment of Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion Disorder in the Pediatric Population

Journal Title

Journal of Voice

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

September 2019

Department

Otolaryngology

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder (PVFMD), or induced laryngeal obstruction (ILO), is a clinical phenomenon characterized by inappropriate adduction of the true vocal folds during inspiration. The resultant episodes of acute respiratory distress marked by exercise-induced cough, inspiratory stridor, throat tightness, and shortness of breath are often misattributed to asthma despite normal pulmonary function testing results. Although the pathogenesis of the disease remains unclear, the etiology is likely multifactorial with an inflammatory, neurological, and psychiatric basis. Our trigger reduction approach, consisting of a plant-based, Mediterranean-style diet to treat laryngopharyngeal reflux and sinus toilet, aims to dampen the peripheral neuronal hyperexcitability of the laryngopharyngeal tissues that is hypothesized to contribute to this disorder. The primary objective of the present study was to assess for therapeutic efficacy by analyzing pre- and post-treatment subjective scores using four validated indices: Voice Handicap Index (VHI), Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), Dyspnea Index (DI), and Cough Severity Index (CSI). METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients age

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