Upper airway disorders can cause painful inflammation that makes it difficult to breath. These types of disorders can sometimes be confused for asthma. Our expert team evaluates, counsels and treats a full range of upper airway disorders to help you breathe easier.
Upper Airway Disorders
Overview and Symptoms
Overview and Symptoms
Symptoms of an upper airway disorder can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chronic cough
- Irritable larynx
- Bilateral vocal fold paralysis
- Paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM) or Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD)
Treatment
If you are diagnosed with an airway disorder, you will meet with a speech pathologist to learn relaxation, exercise and breathing techniques to help manage your symptoms. Pre-surgical counseling is provided when appropriate.
Diagnostic and treatment options include:
- Video fluoroscopy, also known as a video swallow study
- Voice evaluation
- A laryngeal evaluation using endoscopy: a type of test where a scope is passed into the throat to view the vocal cords