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Avatar universal

I cant BREATH!

I think I might have GERD or LPR with maybe complications of Vocal Cord Dysfunction.
I am 46, female, stopped smoking because I couldnt get my breath and I couldnt talk. I think the smoke was getting into my vocal cords. Then I started getting symptoms with something stuck behind my breastbone and a lump in my throat, No heartburn at all. When I lay flat, when I get up in the morning I cant breath! They seem like asthma attacks but I dont have asthma, and this lasts for hours until my vocal cords open up a little. I think maybe acid is coming up from my stomach and and closing my vocal cords, and I feel like I aspirated something into my lungs, it take hours for my vocal cords to open to get a little bit of air. I now have to sit up and sleep so this doesnt happen. My doctor said I had the beginnging stages of C.O.P.D. but she doesnt know about the breathing attacks yet or the GERD symptoms. I didnt see her yet about that. Do I have a Vocal Cord Dysfunction? I'm thinking it is as I cant talk and I cant breath and feel its in my throat.

Please help!
3 Responses
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Avatar universal
Hi Nekio,
Vocal cord dysfunction do produce breathing probelms which sometimes  may not respond to albuterol.
You might be suffering from VCD
Do Pulmonary function tests for confirmation.
Also meet a ENT doctor who will look at your vocal cords  to see its structure and function and he will be able to tell you whether vocal cords are involved.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for your answer. I forgot to say that when I have these breathing attacks I did use Albuterol and it didnt help. Could it be Vocal Cord Dysfunction? If so what can I do?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Nekio,
The symptoms you have mentioned are very much suggestive of GERD and LPR.

GERD and LPR can result in asthma , hoarseness of voice, stickiness in the throat, vocal cord ulcers and other related problems.

I would suggest the following for you -

1. Upper GI endoscopy to look inside the esophagus for lesions due to GERD

2. 24/ 48 hours pH monitoring for confirming the diagnosis of GERD

3. PPI for relief from symptoms

4. Life style modifications for complete and sustained relief

For COPD you do pulmonary function tests for confirmation

Discuss with your physician regarding these issues.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.
Helpful - 0

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