Which condition involves intermittent adduction of the vocal folds affecting breathing?

Paradoxical vocal fold movement (PVFM) is indeed the condition that involves intermittent adduction of the vocal folds, which can lead to breathing difficulties. In this condition, during inhalation, the vocal cords unexpectedly constrict instead of opening, which can cause symptoms that mimic asthma, such as wheezing and breathlessness. This phenomenon can occur during physical exertion, stressful situations, or even at rest, leading to significant challenges in maintaining steady airflow.

Understanding PVFM is crucial for speech-language pathology assistants, as they may encounter clients who exhibit these symptoms but may not have underlying respiratory issues, thus necessitating a careful assessment and appropriate intervention strategies. Identifying PVFM involves observing the characteristic patterns of vocal fold movement during breathing and understanding how they interact with the respiratory system during various activities. This also emphasizes the importance of proper diagnosis to differentiate it from other vocal issues like vocal nodules or paralysis, which have distinct causes and presentations.