Inspiratory vocal cord closure in COPD. Issue 5 (14th May 2020) - Leong, Paul
During normal inspiration, vocal cord movements are limited, although mild abduction (widening) can occur [1]. Inspiratory closure is characteristic of vocal cord dysfunction (VCD), a condition that can cause refractory breathlessness [1, 2]. VCD may occur in otherwise healthy individuals and 20–40% of stable asthma patients [3], however, abnormal inspiratory vocal cord activities and putative VCD have not been investigated in other obstructive lung diseases. It is therefore of interest to determine whether inspiratory closure occurs in COPD. Inspiratory vocal cord closure is surprisingly prevalent in COPD http://bit.ly/2TVHMn0