ALPIMS • UNDERSTANDING CONNECTIONS
Trauma &
Vocal Cord Dysfunction
Breathing symptoms and trauma-related distress can occur together. Both deserve careful, respectful care.
Your breathing symptoms are real.
Support should include medical assessment, safety and choice.
One section at a time.
You can pause whenever you need.
What is vocal cord dysfunction? Also called inducible laryngeal obstruction
Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) involves the vocal folds narrowing when they should be open for breathing.
The broader term inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) includes narrowing elsewhere in the voice box too.
Episodes may cause difficulty breathing in, throat tightness, noisy breathing or voice changes. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms.
How might trauma be connected? An association, not a universal cause
Studies in people attending ILO clinics have found anxiety, depression and PTSD symptoms. Some people may benefit from support for both breathing and mental health.
This does not prove trauma causes ILO. Screening scores are not the same as a formal diagnosis, and clinic findings may not represent everyone.
You do not need a trauma history to have VCD/ILO. The symptoms are real and involuntary.
What else may trigger episodes? Look at the whole picture
Triggers can include strong odours or irritants, exercise and emotional stress. The pattern varies between people.
Reflux, nasal symptoms and asthma may also need assessment and treatment when present.
VCD/ILO can coexist with asthma. A trauma history should never replace assessment of breathing symptoms.
How is it assessed? Breathing symptoms need medical care
A GP may refer you to respiratory or ear, nose and throat specialists and a speech pathologist.
Diagnosis usually involves looking at the larynx with a small flexible camera, ideally during symptoms or a supervised trigger test.
The team may also test for asthma and other causes. A normal examination between episodes does not necessarily exclude ILO.
What treatment may help? An individual breathing plan
Speech pathology is a main treatment approach. A clinician can teach techniques to help keep the larynx open and respond to episodes.
Use the technique you have been taught. Generic advice to take large, deep breaths may not suit you.
Care may also address irritants, reflux, nasal symptoms or asthma. Evidence for ILO treatments is still developing.
If you also have PTSD, trauma-focused care may help that condition. It is not a guaranteed cure for ILO.
Professional care ↗What does trauma-informed support look like? Safety, choice and clear explanations
- Ask before touch, examination or personal questions.
- Explain each step and agree a pause signal.
- Offer a quieter space with fewer irritants.
- Adapt breathing practice if it brings up distress.
You can request adjustments without describing traumatic events.
During a familiar, diagnosed episode, follow your care plan. Move away from an irritant if safe. Seek help if symptoms are severe, different or not settling.
When should I seek urgent help? Do not assume every episode is ILO
Call 000 in Australia for severe or worsening breathing difficulty, inability to speak normally, blue or grey lips, collapse or confusion.
If anaphylaxis is suspected, follow your allergy action plan, use prescribed adrenaline promptly and call 000.
If you have asthma, follow your asthma action plan. Do not stop prescribed asthma treatment because ILO is suspected.
New or unexplained breathing difficulty needs medical assessment.
ALPIMS notes & references Support breathing and emotional safety
This connection may involve Anxiety / Autonomic, Mood / Mental Health and sensory or environmental demands.
Reduced irritants and predictable care may support comfort alongside medical treatment. These are practical adaptations, not proof of a shared cause.
This Scottish guide is not crisis care. Local services differ. Pause if the material feels too much.