Clarification due to incorrect media reports
There has been much in the media in recent days concerning research into the use of Botox on the voicebox, as a means of treating asthma symptoms which is very misleading. http://www.news.com.au/national/botox-to-smooth-breathing-for-asthmatics/story-e6frfkvr-1226083527998 Asthma occurs in the airways in the lungs and common symptoms include wheezing, tightness in the chest, a persistent cough and shortness of breath. Similar symptoms can occur when someone has ‘Vocal Cord Dysfunction’, which may cause confusion for patients. Vocal Cord Dysfunction is a syndrome that produces wheezing and shortness of breath. It can be very difficult to distinguish from asthma and may even occur in patients who already have asthma. To clarify, we have sought comment from Associate Professor Alan James of Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital. “In asthma, symptoms are produced by narrowing of the airways within the chest and lung. In Vocal Cord Dysfunction, there is spasm of the vocal cords which blocks airflow into the chest. It can be very alarming and distressing in severe cases. In many cases, it responds well to recognition of the problem (which may require specialist referral and specific breathing tests), re-assurance and breathing manoeuvres as suggested by a speech pathologist. In some cases, symptoms are severe and recurrent. In these cases other treatments are being considered, such as Botox since this is known to relax muscles. Similar treatment has been used for muscle spasms in the throat which interferes with the voice. “Professor Phil Bardin in Melbourne has an interest in this area and plans to trial Botox treatment in some patients with Vocal Cord Dysfunction. As he says in the interview, some patients complain that their asthma is worse when in fact it is not their asthma but another problem, in the voice box. “Unfortunately this is not a treatment for severe asthma where narrowing of airways occurs in the chest, not the voice box. However if patients have resistant and unusual symptoms that seem like asthma, it is always worth thinking of other diagnoses such as Vocal Cord Dysfunction.” People who are having trouble controlling their asthma are encouraged to speak to their doctor or call the Asthma Foundation of WA on 1800 645 130 to talk to an asthma educator