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My son who is stationed in Turkey with USAF has been trying for 5 months now to explain to his doctor these (chocking)episodes and she has dismissed them and said its mental. He recently ended up having turbinate reduction due to this same negligence and also septoplasty. After the surgery these chocking episodes that last a few minutes have been happening more than 3 times a day.
I'm so scared for him and I don't know how to help him. We started a bland diet to reduce the acid in the stomach because that was a big factor as well. If anyone has any insight as to what he can say to convinced this doctor that he has this condition please let me know, or anything that can help him get through these rough moments everyday. Thank you
Replies to "My son who is stationed in Turkey with USAF has been trying for 5 months now..."
Suggest ENT examination, to rule out vocal cord dysfunction. This is done by videostroboscopy. I have VCD due to severe/chronic post nasal drip. I have a speech and swallowing therapist to help manage with the coughing, choking, difficulty taking a breath.
He needs to see a different doc. Hope he can find the right one.🥰
Hi Mom,
I have never responded to any of these posts, however, after reading yours, I felt I needed to reach out. What you son may have is VCD it could be Vocal Cord Dysfunction. Many times its cause by GERD, Stress, Irritation , who knows. I started 20 years ago after giving birth. My episodes are triggered by any irritant in the throat ( it can be perfumes, pepper, dry mouth etc)
They come and go very sporadically and it's very frightening. In my case my vocal cords close tight, not allowing air in, then it is difficult to breath and I get a strider sound. If people are around they think I am having an asthma attack. In actuality, with asthma you can not breath out, with VCD you can not get air in. VCD is not dangerous, but is extremely frightening and stressful. If this is what your son is going thru, he needs to talk to the Dr about it. It's not easy to diagnosis because you usually have to be having an episode so the ENT can see the vocal cords in distress. If ( and I stress the word IF because I am not a Dr ) your son has VCD there is no cure, but there are ways to handle the episodes and make things better.
FIRST when going thru a spasm, remain as calm as you can. He needs to go to a Speech Therapist who can also show him exercises to help with the spasms and relax the cords.
I always make sure I purse my lips ( like breathing thru a straw ) breath slow twice thru nose and purse the lips and try to let air out slowly. I also drink water thru a straw when I am having an episode if I can.
SECOND see an ENT and then hopefully a speech therapist
THIRD a humidifier may help, the dry air where he is stationed maybe be adding to the condition
I wished I read this earlier, but I am having more episodes lately and needed a little support!
Hang in there and please thank you son for his service!
GOD BLESS
Again, I am not sure if this is what he actually has, but if it is, VCD is not dangerous just extremely stressful. Breathing exercises will help. It's hard to stay calm when you feel like you are drowning ( actually called dry drowning ) and can't breath. If it is VCD you are getting some air in. Good Luck
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@luris1515
Hi. Did these episodes start after your sons surgery?