Community Pediatric Asthma Service

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:

Breathing Well Patient Package In this package learn about Action Plans, questionnaires, event planning and much more. (Asthma Clinic, Alberta Children’s Hospital)
Adventures in Voice Breathing and Stretching, Speech and Language Therapy, (Alberta Health Services)

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:

Watch this video to learn about VCD
VCD Defined, (National Jewish Health)
What are VCD and ILO?, (American Thoracic Society)
VCD Patient Package

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:

Online Patient Education: ILO – Claire Slinger, Speech & Language Therapist, (Lancashire Teaching Hospitals)

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.

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

Resources:

Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion (PVFM) Information,(Calgary Voice Program 2019, Alberta Children’s Hospital)

Mental Health

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

The Magic of Laughter

Sparkle, the Therapeutic Clown from the Alberta Children’s Hospital, has many helpful handouts to start the laughter in the room!

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!

How to Look After Your Voice, Speech Language, (Rockyview Hospital)
How to Reduce Irritation that Triggers Coughing, (Centre of Excellence in Severe Asthma)
Stretches, Speech and Language Therapy Program, (Alberta Children's Hospital)

Relaxed Breathing - When you are feeling anxious, (Alberta Lung Association & Breathe Well Physio)
Habit Cough (Chronic Cough) – When cough is the main symptom during waking hours – a family experience. Miles Weinberger MD,(Habit Cough Association)

Walk | Run | Play | Breathe
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.

Community Pediatric Asthma Service

Breathing Well

Dysfunctional Breathing (DB)

Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD)

Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO)

Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO)

Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion (PVFM)

Mental Health

The Magic of Laughter

Where to Find Help

Resources