What next?

[Rosalada]

Hi I was diagnosed with Asthma 4 years ago, now I am told All my breathlessness and tight chestedness is probably down to Vocal Cord Dysfunction ( VDC) , and I may not have Asthma at all as VDC is often mistaken for Asthma, although the the two may be present at the same time. Has anyone else been given the same information?

[ChrissieMons]

Apparently not. I should get a 2nd opinion if I were you.

[Rosalada in reply to ChrissieMons]

I am waiting to see another ENT Doc so we will see what that outcome is

[Matman]

Sounds somewhat spurious, agree with ChrissieMons, get a second opinion. (Preferably from an Asthma Clinic Consultant).

Inhaled Steroids (e.g. from use of a Preventer Inhaler) can contribute to Horse-Throat / Vocal Issues so it’s not inconceivable that use of a Preventer Inhaler could be causing symptom confusion, that might alter diagnosis.

[Rosalada in reply to Matman]

Thank you for your reply, hope to get somewhere soon but it's a long wait, it's the Asthma Consultant who has referred me to the ENT Clinic.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Hi

Yes I’d be weary and get a 2nd opinion or ask for further tests!

When I went for my difficult asthma protocol, I managed to go in my asymptomatic month (Sept). Despite trying my best to bring on an attack (including going for a jog in a London park!) it just wouldn’t happen. I kept telling them I’m usually fine in September and that I wasn’t symptomatic, but they turned round and said my main issue was a breathing dysfunction with mild asthma. I left frustrated as I’d had multiple hospital admissions in the year but they hadn’t listen to me, telling me it was my throat (despite S&L clearing me) and a breathing issue cause I breath held (mainly when upset!).

After 2 uncontrolled years they took me off most of my meds (which I knew helped my control a little), and I was fine for 1 week after discharge til I got a chest infection, which lingered for 2 months, ending up with 6-8 a&e trips and me struggling to get through the day. My local couldn’t give me back my meds as the specialist had taken me off of them - they kept saying to me ‘Just hold on and wait it out - you only have x days until you’re appt!’ At my next specialist appt I was admitted for a week and apologised to a lot!

Yes a lot of asthma is misdiagnosed, but any other diagnosis should be tested for too! There is a test for VCD (not pleasant but there is one), and try not to let them take you off anything until you have been tested one way or another!

VCD can be confused for asthma (or accompany it) as asthma is more common, but if the asthma meds don’t work it could suggest VCD or another diagnosis. If it is ‘just’ VCD it could mean you become better managed with less meds so it’s not all bad!

I hope this helps and you don’t have a repeat of what I went through!

[Rosalada]

Thank you so much for allowing your information, as yet no one has mentioned taking me off my Asthma meds, they have added omeprozol, and. Steroid nasal spray. I have just received an appointment to attend a voice speech and swallow clinic in November, which I suppose is good, it's just the line that says " if you wear reading glasses please bring those to your appointment" The mind boggles but hoping for a positive outcome

[Chip_y2kuk]

Yes, I saw an ENT who put a camera down my nose and had a look at my voice box and said the issue is not in your voice box... I will pass this information to your gp and your respiratory consultant goodbye... over and done with in 15 mins

[Rosalada in reply to Chip_y2kuk]

Rather abrupt to say the least, it's nice to be dealt with without delay but it's better if the consultant takes that extra few minutes to explain things, as your GP doesn't get the info for at least two weeks and they are well pushed for time so I often feel fobbed off when a few sympathetic words would go a long way. Thank you for taking time to respond to me

[Chip_y2kuk in reply to Rosalada]

It was abrupt.. But quick and pretty painless I could taste and feel the camera for a few hours nothing a cup of coffee didn't wash away most of