The vocal cords close together during the act of speaking, as the human voice is created by the vibrations of air flowing across the closed vocal cords. Under certain circumstances, the heightened breathing required during strenuous exertion can create dysfunction in the vocal cords causing a disruption of airflow during exercise. The key to treatment is the athlete s understanding that vocal cord dysfunction is something he or she can control. Patients learn specific exercises that relax the vocal cords back into their normal position for full air intake. In addition they are taught to emphasize abdominal movement during breathing.
Families can then remind the athlete to use the techniques and relay information to coaches.
Sullivan hopes the high success rate in her outcomes survey will encourage other specialists to consider sudden breathing disorders in athletes in a new light. She always strongly encourages athletes to seek medical examination at the first sign of any breathing disorders. Exercise induced asthma is a serious condition that requires medication, inhalers and often more extensive treatment. But when asthma medications are not effective in eliminating the breathing difficulties, further diagnostics should look for possible paradoxic vocal cord motion. Sullivan says it is a shame for young athletes to discontinue participation when they can quite easily learn to control the breathing problem.