ILOVCD Toolkit

The ILO/VCD toolkit, an initiative of the NHRMC Centre of Research Excellence in Treatable Traits, is a resource developed by clinicians for clinicians to facilitate the improved education and clinical care of Vocal cord dysfunction / inducible laryngeal obstruction

Respiratory difficulty arising in association with inappropriate laryngeal narrowing has been recognised for many years. This condition is characterised by a variety of clinical presentations leading to the coining of over 40 names, including vocal cord dysfunction, inducible laryngeal obstruction and paradoxical vocal fold motion

ILO/VCD is a complex condition and diagnosis is frequently challenging. Clinical evaluation is complex since symptoms overlap with asthma and other respiratory conditions and physical examination is often normal. Laryngoscopy remains the gold-standard for diagnosis but new diagnostic imaging and recent innovations such as ultrasound can help to fast-track detection in the future. These initiatives await further research and validation.

There are several different approaches available for the management of ILO/VCD. The specific approach is informed by clinical assessment (and hence treatment suitability). Management is further shaped by the local model of care, informed by local factors and needs.A key initial part of management of ILO/VCD is education about the nature of ILO/VCD, triggers (if identified) and treatment.Specific approaches can include respiratory re-training (sometimes informally termed speech pathology management), medical management, botulinum toxin and surgical treatment (for rare, highly selected individuals). Positive airways pressure therapy can also be used.Iterative multidisciplinary assessment and management is effective and highly recommended.

Comorbidity in vocal cord dysfunction/inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO/VCD) can complicate diagnosis and treatment, leading to delays in appropriate management and poorer outcomes for patients.

Establishing clinical services for ILO/VCD and exercise-ILO (EILO) is of critical importance, and though a handful of successful services exist internationally, there is ample scope for geographical scale-up.

The ILO/VCD toolkit, an initiative of the NHRMC Centre of Research Excellence in Treatable Traits, is a resource developed by clinicians for clinicians to facilitate the improved education and clinical care of Vocal cord dysfunction / inducible laryngeal obstruction

We have assembled a team of global experts to develop the ILO/VCD toolkit, bringing together a wealth of knowledge and experience.

The ILO/VCD Toolkit provides useful resources including infographics, clinical guidelines and teaching resources. This section of the website will continue to grow, so we recommend that you check back often.