Final answer:
Vocal cord dysfunction is typically diagnosed by a speech-language pathologist or ENT specialist using laryngoscopy to visually assess the vocal cords and vestibular folds, combined with patient history and pulmonary function tests.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is diagnosed through careful medical evaluation, often by a speech-language pathologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. To confirm the diagnosis, they may perform a laryngoscopy, which involves using a thin, flexible tube with a camera to directly visualize the vocal cords and vestibular folds.
A patient's history and symptoms, such as episodes of shortness of breath that are not responsive to asthma treatments but improve with breathing techniques, can also suggest VCD. Pulmonary function tests may help rule out other conditions like asthma, and speech therapy is often an effective treatment for VCD. Understanding the anatomical structure of the laryngopharynx, where the vocal cords and vestibular folds are located, is critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.