Community Pediatric Asthma Service

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Breathing Well

There are things other than asthma that can impact breathing. These things are called by many different names (confusing!) and may, or may not, have anything to do with your asthma.


Dysfunctional Breathing (DB)

Dysfunctional Breathing (DB), also known as disordered breathing,  refers to abnormal patterns of breathing that can lead to various health issues.

Resources:

Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD)

Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) is a disorder where the vocal cords do not work properly when you breathe. It is often mistaken as asthma.

Resources:

 

Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO)

Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO) is a condition where your vocal cords close with intense exercise.  It can be mistaken as exercise-induced asthma.  It can also be referred to as Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD).

Resources:

Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO)

Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO)  is another term used to describe Exercise-Induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) or Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD).

Resources

Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion (PVFM)

Paradoxical Vocal Cord Dysfunction (PVCD) causes your vocal cords to not function properly when breathing in or out which can result in abnormal closure of the vocal cords.

Paradoxical Vocal Cord Dysfunction is also another term used for Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD), Exercise Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO) or Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO).

Resources:


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Mental Health

Your mental health also plays an important part in managing your breathing. Some helpful websites are:


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Where to Find Help

It may be hard to get help for these breathing challenges as there are a limited number of trained individuals who specialize in these areas.

Some suggestions for support may include speech therapists, physiotherapists, respiratory therapists and voice coaches. Ask your health care team if they know of people who have an interest in any of these areas.

The really GOOD news is there are lots of great resources on the web!




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Material on this website has been designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment.
If you have specific questions, please consult your doctor or appropriate health care professional.