According to new research many children who are diagnosed with asthma may actually be having a less serious condition ; Vocal Chord Dysfunction. Experts say that a simple test can show doctors and parents the difference between asthma and VCD.

Treatment of VCD relies on correct identification of the disorder using breathing and relaxation techniques to help the vocal cords relax. During an acute VCD attack, spirometry (a device that measures airflows) can show patterns that are highly suggestive of VCD.

Doctors at Columbus Children’s Hospital performed a clinical research study using spirometry in Children’s Emergency Department to try to identify adolescents who had findings suggestive of VCD compared to an acute asthma attack. The year-long study (February 2005-February 2006) included patients 12-21-years-old who suffered from acute episodes of respiratory distress. The manuscript was published in the July issue of Pediatric Pulmonology.

“Both asthma and VCD are very common, and emergency departments across the country are seeing more and more kids with these kinds of symptoms,” said Karen McCoy, MD, chief of Pulmonology at Columbus Children’s Hospital and a faculty member at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. “While they may appear similar to parents, the conditions act differently and must be treated differently. It is important that parents, coaches and family doctors are aware of the differences.”

According to the study, 12 of the 17 adolescents who presented to the Emergency Department with difficulty breathing, but with high normal oxygen levels, were found to have evidence of VCD on spirometry. This led to a change in the therapy for these patients. Spirometry used in the acute setting of difficulty breathing can help differentiate VCD from asthma attacks.