VOCAL CORD DYSFUNCTION (VCD)
Specialized Evaluation & Treatment for Children, Teens & Adults
Shortness of breath or difficulty getting air in during sports, running, dance or other physical activities.
A feeling of tightness, restriction or closing in the throat that can make breathing uncomfortable.
Breathing that may sound strained, wheezy or high-pitched, particularly during physical exertion.
Symptoms that resemble asthma but do not improve with traditional asthma medications or treatment.
Difficulty breathing during singing, performing, public speaking or other activities that require breath control.
Breathing difficulties that appear suddenly and may resolve on their own after several minutes.
Hoarseness, vocal fatigue or changes in voice quality that may accompany breathing difficulties.
Breathing difficulties can be frustrating, frightening and often misunderstood.
Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) occurs when the vocal cords close when they should remain open, making it difficult to breathe comfortably. Symptoms are often mistaken for asthma, anxiety or other respiratory conditions, which can delay proper diagnosis and treatment.
At South Shore Center for Speech, Language and Swallowing Disorders, we provide specialized evaluation and treatment for Vocal Cord Dysfunction in children, teens and adults. Our goal is to help patients understand their symptoms, improve breathing control and return to the activities they enjoy with greater confidence.
Many patients come to us after months or even years of searching for answers. Through individualized evaluation and therapy, we help identify breathing patterns that may be contributing to symptoms and provide practical techniques to improve breathing and quality of life.
A Recognized Area of Expertise
Vocal Cord Dysfunction is a highly specialized area of speech-language pathology that is often misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed.
Steven Asofsky, M.A., CCC-SLP/TSHH has extensive experience evaluating and treating Vocal Cord Dysfunction and breathing-related voice disorders. As one of the few speech-language pathologists on Long Island with significant experience in this area, he has helped patients from across the region find answers and regain confidence in their breathing.
Patients travel from throughout Long Island and beyond to seek treatment, including student athletes, competitive athletes, singers, performers, professional voice users and individuals whose symptoms have been mistaken for asthma or other respiratory conditions.
When to Consider an Evaluation
You or your child may benefit from an evaluation if you experience:
Difficulty breathing during exercise or sports
A sensation of throat tightness or restriction
Noisy breathing during physical activity
Symptoms that resemble asthma but do not improve with treatment
Breathing difficulties during performances or public speaking
Episodes that occur suddenly and resolve on their own
Voice changes that accompany breathing difficulties
How Therapy Can Help
Treatment focuses on helping patients gain control of their breathing through individualized strategies and exercises designed to improve vocal cord function and respiratory coordination.
Therapy may include:
Breathing retraining techniques
Respiratory coordination exercises
Vocal cord relaxation strategies
Exercise recovery techniques
Trigger identification and management
Voice efficiency training
Education for patients and families
Every treatment plan is individualized based on the patient's symptoms, lifestyle and goals.
Supporting Athletes, Performers & Everyday Life
Vocal Cord Dysfunction can impact much more than breathing. It can affect athletic performance, confidence, school participation, public speaking, singing and everyday activities.
Our goal is to provide practical tools that help patients feel more comfortable, more confident and better equipped to participate fully in the activities they enjoy.
Whether you're a young athlete trying to get back on the field, a singer preparing for a performance or an adult looking for answers, we're here to help.
Ready to Learn More?
If you or your child have been experiencing symptoms of Vocal Cord Dysfunction, contact our office to learn more about evaluation and treatment options.
Get in Touch
400 W. Main Street (Montauk Hwy.), Suite 152 Babylon, New York 11702
Business Hours:
Mon - Thu
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
9:00 am - 9:00 pm
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
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