Understanding EILO, PVFD, and VCD in Speech Therapy

We all know that exercise has a multitude of benefits for our health and well-being, but in some cases, it can lead to problems with breathing, especially in younger individuals. If you or someone you love struggles with breathing issues or vocal performance, understanding the various conditions that can cause these challenges and how speech therapy can help is greatly important. 

Among these conditions are Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO), Paradoxical Vocal Fold Dysfunction (PVFD), and Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD). While these terms may sound similar, each condition has unique characteristics and challenges and can impact individuals in many different ways. Understanding the key differences between these conditions, as well as how they can be addressed in speech therapy, can help increase understanding of why breathing or vocal issues may be present, and help inform individuals about how to decrease the impact of these conditions while improving breath control and vocal performance. 

Speech and language pathologists are experts at supporting individuals who may be struggling with certain conditions that affect breathing and speech production. If you think you or a loved one would benefit from working closely with an experienced speech and language pathologist, getting started is as easy as scheduling your free introductory call today! 

What is the Difference Between VCD and EILO? 

Both Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) and Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO) are conditions that affect breathing, but they each have different symptoms and triggers. 

Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD)

VCD causes the vocal cords (also referred to as vocal folds) to close involuntarily when breathing.

This condition can be triggered by several factors including stress, strong perfumes or odors, tobacco smoke, respiratory infections, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and exercise. Symptoms of VCD can occur during exercise or when the individual is at rest. Some of the most common symptoms of VCD include shortness of breath, throat tightness, a high-pitched wheezing sound (known as stridor), and frequent coughing. Diagnosis of VCD is typically reached through a combination of patient history, physical examination, laryngoscopy (a visual examination of the vocal cords), and in some cases, pulmonary function tests. Treatment for this condition typically involves speech therapy to develop proper breathing and relaxation strategies.

Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO)

EILO causes the larynx (voice box) to narrow during high-intensity exercise, which obstructs airflow. This condition is triggered by strenuous physical activity, particularly those that require continuous effort, including running, swimming, or cycling. The symptoms of EILO occur during exercise and typically involve difficulty breathing, throat tightness, stridor, and in some cases, a sensation of choking, with most symptoms resolving once the activity is complete. EILO is typically diagnosed through an examination of medical history, exercise challenge tests, and a laryngoscopy that is performed during or immediately after exercise to observe the specific changes in the larynx. Speech therapy is often recommended to individuals with EILO to improve breathing techniques during exercise and provide conditioning exercises to reduce the occurrence of symptoms.

What is the Difference Between VCD and PVFD?

Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) and Paradoxical Vocal Fold Dysfunction (PVFD) are often used interchangeably because they describe the same condition, which is characterized by the improper closure of the vocal folds when breathing, leading to breathing difficulties. 

Vocal cord dysfunction can be effectively targeted in speech therapy, with speech therapy sessions including specific exercises, techniques, and approaches to improve breathing and reduce tension in the head, neck, and throat. If you or a loved one could benefit from working closely with a speech and language pathologist to address VCD, contact us to schedule your free introductory call today! 

How do you Treat VCD and EILO?

While these conditions are distinct, many of the treatment approaches are the same as they both affect breathing. Speech therapy is among the most important methods of treating both VCD and EILO, and specific approaches can include:

Breathing Techniques - Individuals with VCD and EILO will learn diaphragmatic and relaxed-throat breathing techniques that promote airflow and prevent vocal cord or laryngeal closures.   

Vocal Cord Relaxation Exercises: When treating VCD, exercises are aimed at reducing tension in the vocal cords and surrounding muscles.

Laryngeal Control Exercises: When addressing EILO in speech therapy, exercises are used that improve control over the laryngeal muscles and prevent obstruction during physical activity.

Immediate Feedback: Visual and auditory feedback helps individuals to increase control over their breathing patterns and vocal cord movements.

Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation exercises help to manage stress, which can be a trigger for VCD.

Trigger Avoidance: Identifying and avoiding specific triggers like strong odors, smoke, or allergens.

Addressing Underlying Conditions: Managing associated conditions such as asthma, GERD, or allergies which can exacerbate VCD or EILO.

Gradual Exercise Conditioning: When targeting EILO, Gradually increase the intensity of exercise to build tolerance and reduce the occurrence of symptoms.

Warm-up and Cool-down Routines: For individuals with EILO, Implementing thorough warm-up and cool-down routines to prepare the body and larynx for exercise is highly important.

What Does a Speech Therapist Do for VCD?

Speech therapy is the primary method of treatment for Vocal Cord Dysfunction. Speech-language pathologists who specialize in helping individuals with VCD teach exercises that are designed to relieve breathing difficulties. Providing education and instruction on relaxed-throat breathing and lower-abdominal breathing techniques to manage episodes of breathing difficulty is also common in speech therapy for VCD. These simple techniques keep the upper airway and voice box relaxed and open for easier breathing. The speech-language pathologist will also work with the individual to understand what triggers their VCD and control how they respond to these triggers. Many individuals with VCD also experience throat strain following episodes of breathing difficulty. The speech therapist will also focus on voice therapy by providing specific vocal exercises that promote improved breath control, breathing processes, and strong and healthy vocal habits while also reducing throat strain. 

Whether you or a loved one is struggling with EILO or VCD, speech therapy through Great Speech is an important part of addressing these conditions. Don’t wait to get started - schedule your free introductory call today!