RANDALL L. PLANT, MD
NORFOLK, VIRGINIA

Inspiratory adduction (IA) is a term used to describe inappropriate closure of the vocal folds during inhalation. Previous studies have shown a correlation between IA and reflux laryngitis, but the relationship of IA to vocal fold movement during speech is not well known. We describe videostroboscopic findings seen in 54 consecutive patients referred to the Voice Center with suspicion of intermittent IA. Forty of these patients were referred by allergists and pulmonologists because of observed IA during bronchoscopy or because of failure to respond to conventional asthma treatment. Forty-three patients were female, 8 were employed in the health care field, and 5 had jobs with heavy voice demands. Thirty-four of the patients had reflux laryngitis, and 32 had evidence of laryngeal muscle tension disorder during speech. We conclude that laryngeal muscle tension disorder is also correlated with IA of the vocal folds.