Vocal Cord Dysfunction, also called Laryngospasms, and Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement most often effects young people, especially teenagers.  However it can be experienced by adults regardless of age.  As an example, we know of a person in his 50s who recently began experiencing VCD. 

People with VCD are typically high achievers, type A personalities.  Types of people affected include dancers, musicians, singers and competitive athletes such as distance runners, soccer players, swimmers, etc.   In fact many people find that strenuous exercise and/or excitement brings on attacks.  Thus VCD is often misdiagnosed as asthma.  It is not asthma.  Treatments that work for asthma only aggravate the symptoms of VCD.