Abnormal vocal cord movement treated with botulinum toxin in patients with asthma resistant to optimised management

Background and Objective Abnormal vocal cord movement may coexist with asthma and cause additional upper/middle airway obstruction. The condition may be a form of muscular dystonia that could contribute to asthma resistant to optimised treatments. Botulinum toxin causes temporary paralysis of muscle and may be an effective local treatment that improves asthma control. Methods In an observational study, we evaluated the benefits of unilateral vocal cord injection with botulinum toxin in 11 patients (total 24 injections). Subjects had asthma resistant to optimised treatment and abnormal vocal cord movement. Responses after botulinum toxin treatment were assessed using asthma control test (ACT) scores, vocal cord narrowing quantified by computerised tomography (CT) of the larynx and spirometry. Side‐effects were recorded. Results ACT scores improved overall (9.1 ± 2.4 before and 13.5 ± 4.5 after treatment; difference 4.4 ± 4.2; P