How to Stop Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) Attacks: 3 Breathing Exercises

Send us Fan Mail If you've ever struggled with a sudden, scary episode of difficulty breathing that feels like your throat is closing up, you might be experiencing Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD). Often confused with asthma, VCD requires a completely different set of tools to manage. In this essential "How-To" episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – provide a powerful and practical guide to relaxed throat breathing techniques. This is a purely instructional episode designed to empower you with simple, effective exercises you can practice every day to help prevent and manage VCD episodes. They demonstrate three distinct breathing exercises: a forceful exhale technique for daily practice, an acute "rescue" breathing method for when symptoms strike, and a calming box breathing exercise to help regulate your nervous system after a scary event. This is a must-watch for anyone dealing with VCD, unexplained breathing trouble, or anxiety-related respiratory symptoms. EPISODE IN A GLANCE 00:49 Daily Practice: Forceful Exhale Breathing Technique 02:34 Acute Rescue: The "Cold Blow" Hand Technique 05:32 Calming Down: Guided Box Breathing for Your Nervous System WRITE A PODCAST REVIEW SEND US A SUGGESTION [email protected] ABOUT HOSTS KARA WADA, MD Dr. Kara Wada is a quadruple board-certified physician in allergy, immunology, and lifestyle medicine, and founder of the Immune Confident Institute. As a Sjogren’s patient and life coach, she combines modern medicine with lifestyle and mindset practices to help patients harness their body's ability to heal. Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Youtube TikTok AMBER PATTERSON, MD Dr. Amber Patterson is a world-renowned allergy and immunology expert pioneering the future of immunotherapy. As the U.S. ambassador for ILIT™ Protocol (a 3-injection allergy shot protocol), she is redefining allergy care through her practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni® ILIT™ Learning Network. Website Instagram Instagram Facebook Youtube MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD Dr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life. Instagram Facebook