Callie shows some breathing techniques and ways to cope with Vocal Chord Dysfunction (VCD) and Stress. Callie’s VCD was a result of her asthma. People who have asthma might cough or wheeze, two sounds that come from the lungs. Be sure to tell a parent or check with your doctor anytime your breathing is unusually noisy or you have trouble breathing. The Coping Cart at Norton Children’s Hospital is designed to help ease children’s stress and anxiety.

3 Comments

  • Dr. Jeanne Floerke 14 years ago

    I am a pediatric Psychologist in Denver and found this site incredible! Would love to have a Coping Cart for my hospital!

  • Hi I run cross country at school and I have VCD. Should I breathe like that during the race or just before?

  • Bryan D. Carter, Ph.D., HSP 10 years ago

    Kate,

    Great question! Diaphragmatic Breathing (DB), also known as “Belly Breathing,” is mainly to be used for breathing practices or exercises between, or separate from, physically strenuous or stressful activities. I recommend practicing DB 20 minutes a day, maybe 5 minutes at a time. It decreases the stress placed on the vocal cords, that is, it gives them a rest, and allows them to recover. It would be very hard to run, such as in cross country events, and do DB at the same time. But an hour or two afterwards, along with drinking plenty of water to keep the vocal cords hydrated/moist, it would be most appropriate to spend 5-10 minutes practicing DB.

    Bryan D. Carter, Ph.D., HSP | Professor of Pediatrics & Psychology
    Department of Pediatrics | Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry & Psychology
    Director, Pediatric Consultation-Liaison Service | Kosair Children’s Hospital
    Chief Psychologist | Director, Postdoctoral Fellowship Training in Pediatric Psychology
    University of Louisville School of Medicine | Bingham Clinic

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