Overcoming VCD

Former Member
Former Member
I saw my EMT doc yesterday. She is of the opinion that my post nasal drip is inflaming the bottom portion of my vocal cords and could be the reason they are shutting down during swimming. She has never treated this condition but gave me medication to dry up the post nasal drip. Mean time. I found a pool side breathing exercise from "Coach Shev Gul" that seems to be working in that I have more than doubled my pull laps with out stopping and gasping for air. Check out this article "Diaphragmatic Breathing Technique Practice for Improved Swimming Performance". Again, any one out there with the same problem? I still can not do more than 75 yrds but am improving.
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Good workout today. I'm now able to do 500mts without stopping and gasping for air and have increased my kick/pull laps. Not very fast yet but improving. I was diagnosed with Vocal Cord Disorder due to post nasal drip that affected my swimming only. Nose sprays at night and morning has helped the post nasal drip and diaphramatic breathing has helped the swimming. Thanks to all who have responded to this problem.
  • If you find a speech pathologist with a specific interest in VCD, that is your best bet. Most people have good success with speech therapy tailored towards VCD.
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Still trying to find anyone who has experienced Vocal Cord Motion Disorder while swimming and has found a treatment that works.
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Thanks for the reply: I am seeing another ENT specialist who used to be a competitive swimmer for a second opinion. I've been on nose sprays and acid reflex meds. for almost 2 months now and no help so far.
  • After almost two months of nose sprays for post nasal drip and meds. for acid reflex I still cannot swim (arms and legs) more than 75 meters without gasping for air. Yesterday, I saw another Ear Nose Throat (ENT) specialist who is also in a Masters Swim program. He thinks the problem as related to swimming is the pressure exerted on the core is causing a acid reflex to close my vocal cords. I go in next week for a CAT scan of the larynx and esophagus. Again, any one out there with a similar problem?Are you saying you have acid reflux? If so, you can get Prilosec or other meds that will zap it. A few years ago I had reflux issues that had actually caused my voice to change. I wasn't swimming at the time, but the inflammation due to the acid reflux had contricted the area around my vocal cords and put pressure on them, which made my voice higher. I actually have some recordings of where I am taking video and commentating, and I'm wishing I hadn't :) I eventually saw an ENT and had a camera stuck up my nose and down my windpipe, which identified the pressure on the vocal cords. It was the worst. Proceedure. Ever. I'm not an ENT, or even a doctor, but I would think if the inflammation is significant if could physically constrict the airway, and not allow sufficient air into your lungs. Neutralizing the acid reflux may solve the problem.
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    After almost two months of nose sprays for post nasal drip and meds. for acid reflex I still cannot swim (arms and legs) more than 75 meters without gasping for air. Yesterday, I saw another Ear Nose Throat (ENT) specialist who is also in a Masters Swim program. He thinks the problem as related to swimming is the pressure exerted on the core is causing a acid reflex to close my vocal cords. I go in next week for a CAT scan of the larynx and esophagus. Again, any one out there with a similar problem?
  • When I had acid reflux, I had breathing problems. I was told by a fellow swimmer, not a md, that the reflux affected the vega nerve which caused the breathing problem. I hope medication can stop the reflux. If not, a surgical solution is possible. I have never regretted the surgery.
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    This could be a solution to my problem but I am not ready for surgery yet. In addition to my anti reflex meds I am trying a little (two tablespoons/ 8oz water) vinegar/water Tell me more about the vega nerve surgery.
  • If your problem is acid -- then its hard to imagine how vinegar (also an acid) could help. I believe the surgery that's being referred to is a fundoplication which wraps part of the stomach around the esophagus to reduce reflux -- its doesn't touch the vagus nerve. A lot, perhaps most, VCD that I see is not related to reflux. In a lot of those cases we have had good success with speech therapy.
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Just got back results from a CAT scan of my throat/lungs/esophagus. All results are "unremarkable". I hope to see someone from the Hoag Voice and Swallowing center next week. After almost 3 months of nasal sprays for post nasal drip and med's for acid reflex I still can not swim freestyle for more than 75 meters without gasping for air. Again, any one out there with the same problem?
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