The VCDQ

The VCDQ

The Vocal Cord Dysfunction Questionnaire (Fowler et al., 2015)
Sometimes, breathing difficulties are not caused by lung issues but are caused by structures in the throat or larynx narrowing or restricting airflow. We do not fully understand why these structures do what they do. What we do know is that irritation to these structures is a common trigger for these events.

Irritation may be in the form of:
- exercise (rapid breathing of dry or cool air)
- exposure to allergens
- inhaled irritants like smoke or poor air quality, strong scents, fragrances or chemicals
- stress, anxiety, and strong emotion
- viral exposure with damage or trauma to the nervous symptom
The following questions help to determine if your symptoms are consistent with ILO/VCD.
The Vocal Cord Dysfunction Questionnaire or VCDQ is a valid and responsive tool suitable for measuring changes in symptoms in patients with VCD. It also gives insight into which symptoms are important to patients and could guide future therapy refinements. Future assessments of novel therapies for this condition should use an appropriately validated tool such as the VCDQ to measure response (Fowler, SJ, Thurston A, Chesworth B, Cheng V, Constantinou P, Vyas A, Lillie S, Haines J, 2015).
Name

First NameLast Name
Date of birth

MonthDayYear
Date
Today's Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Symptom duration based on (choose response from below)
Breathing difficulties are confined to my throat, the base of the throat, upper chest, or mid-sternal chest area

Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeither Agree or DisagreeAgreeStrongly Agree
I feel like I can't get a breath past a certain point in my airway because I feel restriction or narrowing in my throat

Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeither Agree or DisagreeAgreeStrongly Agree
I have more difficulty breathing IN rather than out

Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeither Agree or DisagreeAgreeStrongly Agree
These breathing attacks or episodes come on suddenly

Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeither Agree or DisagreeAgreeStrongly Agree
I feel the sensation of something stuck in my throat. It is something I cannot always clear with cough or throat clearing

Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeither Agree or DisagreeAgreeStrongly Agree
These breathing attacks may also cause my voice to temporarily change or sound different (hoarse, raspy, etc)

Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeither Agree or DisagreeAgreeStrongly Agree
My attacks are associated with changes in my voice

Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeither Agree or DisagreeAgreeStrongly Agree
During these breathing attacks, my breathing may make a high-pitched "noise" or is labored and audible to those around me. It may sound scary

Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeither Agree or DisagreeAgreeStrongly Agree
These breathing attacks are caused by a specific trigger or event

Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeither Agree or DisagreeAgreeStrongly Agree
These breathing attacks may occur with a tickle, ache, pain, or itch in my throat

Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeither Agree or DisagreeAgreeStrongly Agree
My breathing difficulties cause me to feel highly frustrated, worried, or scared

Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeither Agree or DisagreeAgreeStrongly Agree
I notice I cannot tolerate light pressure around the neck (i.e., turtle necks, scarfs, ties, high collars, necklaces, etc) or efforts to bend or rotate my neck make me feel uncomfortable

Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeither Agree or DisagreeAgreeStrongly Agree
IN THE PAST 2 WEEKS My symptoms are/were confined I am unable to tolerate any light pressure around the neck (i.e., tight clothes ) or bending the neck

Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeither Agree or DisagreeAgreeStrongly Agree
These breathing attacks negatively impact my life, my ability to participate in sports or exercise, other hobbies

Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeither Agree or DisagreeAgreeStrongly Agree

Likert Scale Rating

Rows	Strongly disagree 1	Disagree 2	Neither Agree nor Disagree 3	Agree 4	Strongly Agree 5
1. My symptoms are confined to my throat or upper chest
2. I feel like I can't get breath past a certain point in my throat or upper chest because of restriction in my throat
3. My breathlessness is usually worse when breathing IN
4. My attacks typically come on very suddenly
5. I feel that there is something in my throat that I can't clear
6. My attacks are associated with changes in my voice
7. My breathing can be noisy during attacks
8. I'm aware of other specific triggers that cause attacks
9. My symptoms are associated with a tickle, ache, pain, or itch in my throat
10. I am frustrated that my symptoms have not been understood correctly by health care providers
11. I am unable to tolerate any light pressure around the neck (i.e., tight clothes ) or bending the neck
12. The attacks have a negative impact on my social life

Total number scored as (1)
Total number scored as (2) (2 x value = total)
Total number scored as (3) (3 x value = total)
Total number scored as (4) (4 x value = total)
Total number scored as (5) (5 x value = total)
Calculator
Total Sum of all scores:
Score Total
Total Score
Severity Rating*

12 is within functional limits, and symptoms do not support a diagnosis of VCD/ILO13-28 Mild symptoms that support a diagnosis of VCD/ILO29-44 Moderate symptoms that support a diagnosis of VCD/ILO44-60 Severe symptoms that support a diagnosis of VCD/ILO
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