“I Can’t Breathe!”
“I’m having trouble catching my breath!”
“I feel like I can’t get enough air!”
“I can’t take any deep breaths!”
“I feel like I’m choking or gasping for air!”

Has this ever happened to you or someone you know ?

Our story is about a teenager with a very real disorder that affects her breathing.

VCD is a very real and very frightening condition! We did not understand what was happening when the symptoms first began – not even enough to know what to ask. This is the story of our struggle to learn about and to overcome a strange breathing disorder. We created this website to share what we have learned with others who may be struggling with the same questions we once had.

We are not medical professionals. This page is NOT a substitute for medical advice and we are not suggesting treatments or cures. This site is written by one family who is still living with this condition every day and we hope our story may help you. Most of our questions have been answered by now, but it has taken 5 long years to fully understand VCD. The reason for this site is to encourage and enlighten you. 

VCD (Vocal Cord Dysfunction).

Our teen is normal in every way except for her VCD.  She has been active in gymnastics, dance classes,cheerleading. Several years ago, she began to have unexplained symptoms which affected her breathing.  Symptoms included: 

• Sore Throat
• Chronic or Uncontrolled Coughing (sometimes sounding like "smoker's cough")
• Hoarseness & Wheezing
• Chronic Throat Clearing
• Chest Tightness
• Throat Tightness
• Inability to Catch Breath
• Trouble or Difficulty Breathing - little or no air moving in and out
• Shortness of Breath
• Respiratory Problems
• Feeling Like One is Unable to Get Enough Oxygen
• Inability to Inhale
• Choking or Choking Sensation
• Anxiety or Panic Because of Inability to Breathe

We welcome your input, information, and questions.  Click on the buttons below to email us.