What finding would likely indicate exercise-induced asthma rather than vocal cord dysfunction upon testing?

What finding would likely indicate exercise-induced asthma rather than vocal cord dysfunction upon testing?

• A. Normal response to bronchodilators
• B. Flattening of the expiratory portion of the flow volume loop
• C. Increased FEV1 after exercise
• D. Decreased FEV1 with a normal FVC

Answer: (A)

The correct choice indicates a normal response to bronchodilators, which is a significant factor when differentiating between exercise-induced asthma and vocal cord dysfunction. In exercise-induced asthma, bronchoconstriction occurs due to exercise, which often responds well to bronchodilators. This response suggests that the issue is related to the lower airways and inflammation, which are characteristic of asthma. In contrast, vocal cord dysfunction does not typically show a significant positive response to bronchodilators, as the problem resides primarily in the upper airway and is not caused by inflammation of the bronchi. Instead, individuals with vocal cord dysfunction may experience airflow obstruction due to improper closure or spasm of the vocal cords during physical activity, which remains unchanged even after administering a bronchodilator. This understanding helps to separate the two conditions based on their response to treatment, which is pivotal in determining the correct diagnosis and subsequent management. Therefore, observing a normal response to bronchodilators points towards exercise-induced asthma rather than vocal cord dysfunction.

The correct choice indicates a normal response to bronchodilators, which is a significant factor when differentiating between exercise-induced asthma and vocal cord dysfunction. In exercise-induced asthma, bronchoconstriction occurs due to exercise, which often responds well to bronchodilators. This response suggests that the issue is related to the lower airways and inflammation, which are characteristic of asthma.

In contrast, vocal cord dysfunction does not typically show a significant positive response to bronchodilators, as the problem resides primarily in the upper airway and is not caused by inflammation of the bronchi. Instead, individuals with vocal cord dysfunction may experience airflow obstruction due to improper closure or spasm of the vocal cords during physical activity, which remains unchanged even after administering a bronchodilator.

This understanding helps to separate the two conditions based on their response to treatment, which is pivotal in determining the correct diagnosis and subsequent management. Therefore, observing a normal response to bronchodilators points towards exercise-induced asthma rather than vocal cord dysfunction.