Laryngeal dysfunction and pulmonary disorder.

The normal respiratory function of the larynx has been described in detailed reports in both the otolaryngology and the respiratory physiology literature. The role of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle in vocal cord abduction has been shown to be paramount in laryngeal respiratory function. However, only in recent reports has attention been directed toward disordered laryngeal function as evidenced in pulmonary disorders, such as asthma, or in association with underlying pulmonary disorders, such as asthma (ROAD) or emphysema (COPD). In this article, cases will be presented to demonstrate the role of disordered laryngeal function appearing as pulmonary disease and associated with various degrees of underlying pulmonary disease. The effect on pulmonary function tests and the role of treatment will be discussed.