My Throat Tightens & Closes During Exercises

When your throat feels as if it's suddenly tightened or closed during exercise, you may have difficulty breathing. This problem is caused by vocal cord dysfunction, which can affect the vocal cords or speakers in your throat. Learning a series of special exercises can help you relax your throat and reduce breathing difficulties.

recognize that the vocal cord is located in the trachea, and the duct in the throat carries air from the mouth to the lungs. When exhaling, the vocal cord partially covers the trachea. When you speak, your vocal cords vibrate and make a sound. When you exhale or inhale, the vocal cords usually open. If you have vocal cord dysfunction, your vocal cord cannot be opened and closed normally, which makes it difficult for enough air to enter your lungs. Although vocal cord dysfunction can occur at any time, it can be particularly troublesome when you exercise, and you may be out of breath. Symptoms if you have vocal cord dysfunction, when you struggle to inhale air into your lungs, your throat and chest will be injured. You may also be out of breath or short of breath, and it may take real effort to fully inhale or exhale. Other potential symptoms of vocal cord disease include coughing, hoarseness, and clearing the throat. Symptoms of vocal cord dysfunction can affect your ability to fully participate in sports or activities, especially those involving running or intense exertion. In addition to exercise, there are many other conditions that can trigger or worsen vocal cord dysfunction, including water dripping behind the nose, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, throat reflux, laughter, singing, changes in air temperature or humidity, colds, or exposure to strong smells, allergens, irritants, and cigarette smoke. Some people may notice that symptoms increase if they feel stressed or upset.

treatment

after the Doctor confirms that you have vocal cord dysfunction, he may suggest that you start vocal cord treatment from a language therapist. The therapist will teach you deep breathing exercises to promote relaxation and tell you how to perform other exercises to help you relax and open your throat when you have symptoms. If your symptoms occur during exercise, your therapist may ask you to run on a treadmill or do other types of exercise until the symptoms appear. Treatment of potential disorders that may cause vocal cord dysfunction can help alleviate symptoms. The American Thoracic Society recommends learning relaxation techniques, or biofeedback or psychotherapy in the event of emotional or stress-induced vocal cord dysfunction.

considerations

vocal cord dysfunction can be confused with exercise-induced asthma, because both cases have similar symptoms, the National Jewish Health Report. Some people have asthma as well as vocal cord dysfunction. If you have any type of respiratory problem, your doctor should evaluate all possible causes, including vocal cord dysfunction, asthma or other lung diseases.