Prevalence of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and laryngeal obstruction in adolescent athletes

Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction in Children: State of the Art from Diagnosis to Treatment

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a common clinical entity in people with asthma. EIB is characterized by postexercise airway obstruction that results in symptoms such as coughing, dyspnea, wheezing, chest tightness, and increased fatigue. The underlying mechanism of EIB is not completely understood. "Osmotic theory" and "thermal or vascular theory" have been proposed. Initial assessment must include a specific work-up to exclude alternative diagnoses like exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO), cardiac disease, or physical deconditioning. Detailed medical history and clinical examination must be followed by basal spirometry and exercise challenge test. The standardized treadmill running (TR) test, a controlled and standardized method to assess bronchial response to exercise, is the most adopted exercise challenge test for children aged at least 8 years. In the TR test, the goal is to reach the target heart rate in a short period and maintain it for at least 6 min. The test is then followed by spirometry at specific time points (5, 10, 15, and 30 min after exercise). In addition, bronchoprovocation tests like dry air hyperpnea (exercise and eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea) or osmotic aerosols (inhaled mannitol) can be considered when the diagnosis is uncertain. Treatment options include both pharmacological and behavioral approaches. Considering medications, the use of short-acting beta-agonists (SABA) just before exercise is the commonest option strategy, but daily inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) can also be considered, especially when EIB is not controlled with SABA only or when the patients practice physical activity very often. Among the behavioral approaches, warm-up before exercise, breathing through the nose or face mask, and avoiding polluted environments are all recommended strategies to reduce EIB risk. This review summarizes the latest evidence published over the last 10 years on the pathogenesis, diagnosis using spirometry and indirect bronchoprovocation tests, and treatment strategies, including SABA and ICS, of EIB. A specific focus has been placed on EIB management in young athletes, since this condition can not only prevent them from practicing regular physical activity but also competitive sports.

Effects of Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction in Adolescents: A Qualitative Study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) on adolescents.

METHOD

Twenty patients (< 17 years) diagnosed with EILO participated in this study. Patients completed semistructured interviews examining their experience with the health care system, treatment, and the effects of EILO symptoms on quality of life. Interviews were analyzed using a combination of directed and conventional content analyses. Researchers identified seven overarching themes either prior to or during analysis, and 24 subthemes were inductively identified from patient interviews using open, axial, and selective coding.

RESULTS

On average, patients went 1.9 years between symptom onset and EILO diagnosis. Patients described symptom onset as frightening and confusing. Even after initially reporting symptoms to a medical provider, patients went an average of 10.5 months before diagnosis. Patients perceived that delays in diagnosis prevented efficient management and allowed symptoms to escalate. Patients reported that EILO detrimentally influenced athletic performance, forcing them to pace themselves or cease participation altogether. Social and academic effects of EILO included missed classes, difficulty in physical education courses, and resentment from teammates if athletic performance declined. Both athletes and nonathletes indicated that EILO elicited feelings of fear, frustration, dread, guilt, and embarrassment. Patients reported that therapy with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) effectively addressed symptoms; however, employing rescue breathing techniques was often more difficult than anticipated.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical and emotional sequelae associated with EILO may have widespread influence on patient quality of life. Therapy with an SLP reportedly ameliorated EILO symptoms; however, patients indicated that delayed diagnosis allowed negative effects to intensify prior to treatment.

Diagnostic utility of spirometry for children with induced laryngeal obstruction or chronic non-specific cough

PURPOSE

To determine the diagnostic utility of spirometry in distinguishing children with Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO) or chronic non-specific cough (a.k.a. tic cough) from those with mild or moderate to severe asthma.

METHODS

Retrospective cross sectional design. Children diagnosed with ILO (N = 70), chronic non-specific cough (N = 70), mild asthma (N = 60), or moderate to severe asthma (N = 60) were identified from the electronic medical record of a large children's hospital. Spirometry was completed before ILO, non-specific cough, or asthma diagnoses were made by pediatric laryngologists or pulmonologists. Spirometry was performed following American Thoracic Society guidelines and was interpreted by a pediatric pulmonologist. Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC Ratio (FEV1/FVC), Forced Mid-Expiratory Flow 25--75 % (FEF25-75%), pulmonologist interpretation of flow volume loops, and overall exam findings were extracted from the medical record.

RESULTS

Ninety seven percent of children with ILO or chronic non-specific cough presented with spirometry values within normative range. Patients with ILO, non-specific cough, and mild asthma presented with FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and FEF25-75% values in statistically similar range. Children with moderate to severe asthma presented with significantly reduced FVC (p < .001), FEV1 (p < .001), FEV1/FVC (p < .001), and FEF25-75% (p < .001) values when compared with patients in the other groups. Flow volume loops were predominantly normal for children with ILO and non-specific cough.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicate that ILO and chronic non-specific cough can neither be diagnosed nor differentiated from mild asthma using spirometry alone. Spirometry should therefore be used judiciously with this population, bearing in mind the limitations of the procedure. Future research should determine the most effective and efficient ways of delineating ILO and non-specific cough from other respiratory conditions in children.

Economic Burden of Induced Laryngeal Obstruction in Adolescents and Children

PURPOSE

Diagnosing pediatric induced laryngeal obstruction (ILO) requires equipment typically available in specialist settings, and patients often see multiple providers before a diagnosis is determined. This study examined the financial burden associated with the diagnosis and treatment of ILO in pediatric patients with reference to socioeconomic disadvantage.

METHODS

Adolescents and children (<18 years of age) diagnosed with ILO were identified through the University of Madison Voice and Swallow Outcomes Database. Procedures, office visits, and prescribed medications were collected from the electronic medical record. Expenditures were calculated for two time periods (1) pre-diagnosis (first dyspnea-related visit to diagnosis), and (2) the first year following diagnosis. The Area Deprivation Index (ADI) was used to estimate patient socioeconomic status to determine if costs differed with neighborhood-level disadvantage.

RESULTS

A total of 113 patients met inclusion criteria (13.9 years, 79% female). Total pre-diagnosis costs of ILO averaged $6486.93 (SD = $6604.14, median = $3845.66) and post-diagnosis costs averaged $2067.69 (SD = $2322.78; median = $1384.12). Patients underwent a mean of 3.01 (SD = 1.9; median = 2) procedures and 5.8 (SD = 4.7; median = 5) office visits prior to diagnosis. Pharmaceutical, procedure/office visit, and indirect costs significantly decreased following diagnosis. Patients living in neighborhoods with greater socioeconomic disadvantage underwent fewer procedures and were prescribed more medication than those from more affluent areas. However, total expenditures did not differ based on ADI.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric ILO is associated with considerable financial costs. The source of these costs, however, differed according to socioeconomic advantage. Future work should determine how ILO diagnosis and management can be more efficient and equitable across all patients. Laryngoscope, 134:3384-3390, 2024.

Laryngeal response to high-intensity exercise in healthy athletes

Introduction

Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) is a common cause of exertional breathing problems. The current diagnostic approach rests on evaluation of laryngeal obstruction visualised by laryngoscopy performed continuously throughout a maximal exercise test (continuous laryngoscopy exercise (CLE) test) in patients who present with compatible symptoms. Laryngeal responses to high-intensity exercise in endurance athletes are not well described, potentially leading to inaccurate reference values and increasing the risk of misdiagnosing EILO.

Aim

To investigate laryngeal responses to high-intensity exercise in a healthy population of endurance athletes with no self-reported perception of respiratory problems.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway, inviting amateur and professional athletes with no self-reported breathing problems who performed endurance training minimum four sessions weekly. Thirty-six eligible athletes completed a questionnaire detailing exercise habits and past and current respiratory symptoms. They performed a standardised CLE test from which cardiopulmonary exercise data and corresponding laryngeal responses were recorded. The CLE tests were evaluated in retrospect by two independent raters according to preset criteria providing a CLE score. The CLE score rates the severity of laryngeal obstruction during moderate and maximum exercise on the glottic and supraglottic regions on a scale ranging from 0 (no obstruction) to 3 (maximum obstruction).

Results

Twenty-nine (81%) athletes (15 females) aged 15-35 years completed a CLE test. Ten participants (33%) had a supraglottic CLE subscore of 2 or 3. Among these, two also had a glottic CLE subscore of 2 or 3. Notably, none had isolated glottic obstruction.

Conclusion

In healthy well-trained endurance athletes with no prior perception of respiratory symptoms, the laryngeal response to high-intensity exercise was diverse. Supraglottic laryngeal obstruction was observed in one-third of the athletes. The findings underline that a diagnosis of EILO should rest on observed laryngeal obstruction supported by compatible symptoms.

Anxiety, Depression, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Patients With Induced Laryngeal Obstruction

Importance

Patients with induced laryngeal obstruction (ILO) present with a variety of behavioral health profiles. Identifying these profiles is crucial in that behavioral health conditions may affect treatment duration and outcomes.

Objective

To characterize the prevalence of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and physical somatic symptoms in adult and pediatric patients with ILO and determine the factors associated with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and physical somatic symptoms in patients with ILO?

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study included a nonprobability sample of 83 adult and 81 pediatric patients diagnosed with ILO at outpatient adult and pediatric otolaryngology clinics between 2021 and 2023. Exclusion criteria included a comorbid respiratory diagnosis other than asthma, head or neck cancer, or neurological impairments. Recruitment took place between September 2021 and March 2023. The analyses were run in January 2024.

Main Outcome Measures

Patients were prospectively screened for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and somatic physical symptoms. In addition, any past behavioral health diagnoses were extracted from the medical record. Comorbidities, ILO symptoms triggers, and onset details were gathered from ILO evaluations. Adult patients completed the Screen for Adult Anxiety Related Disorders (SCAARED), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ]-9), and somatic physical symptoms portions of the Patient Health Questionnaires (PHQ-15), and the PTSD Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) (PCL-5). Pediatric patients completed the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED), depression (PHQ-9A) and somatic physical symptoms portions of the Patient Health Questionnaires for Adolescents (PHQ-15A), and the UCLA PTSD Reaction Index brief screeners.

Results

Eighty-three adult patients participated in this study (mean [SD] age, 45.8 [14.3] years; 64 female, 19 male). Eighty-one pediatric patients participated (mean [SD] age, 13.83 [2.55] years; 67 female, 14 male). Adult and pediatric patients with ILO screened positive for elevated rates of anxiety (53 adults [63%]; 49 children [60%]), depression (27 adults [32%]; 25 children [30%]), and PTSD (29 adults [34%]; 13 children [16%]). Most of the patients with anxiety and depression symptoms were formally diagnosed prior to ILO evaluation, with rates of previously diagnosed anxiety, depression, and PTSD also above published norms. Adults were twice as likely as children to present with PTSD (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% CI, 0.05-4.48). Elevated rates of physical somatic symptoms were also evident, with 38 adults (45%) and 32 children (39%) scoring in the moderate to severe range.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found high rates of adult and pediatric patients with ILO screened positive for anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms. Future work should investigate how behavioral health and ILO treatments can best be coordinated to maximize treatment outcomes.

Prevalence and characterisation of exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction in patients with exercise-induced dyspnoea

OBJECTIVE

The prevalence of exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction is largely unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of this condition in a selected study population of patients with exercise-induced dyspnoea.

METHOD

A retrospective analysis was conducted of demographic data, co-morbidities, medication, symptoms, performance level of sporting activities, continuous laryngoscopy exercise test results and subsequent treatment.

RESULTS

Data from 184 patients were analysed. The overall prevalence of exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction in the study population was 40 per cent, and the highest prevalence was among females aged under 18 years (61 per cent). However, a high prevalence among males aged under 18 years (50 per cent) and among adults regardless of gender (34 per cent) was also found.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction is clinically relevant regardless of age and gender. Clinicians are encouraged to consider exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction as a possible diagnosis in patients suffering from exercise-induced respiratory symptoms. No single characteristic that can distinguish exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction from other similar conditions was identified.

Clinical Profiles of Children and Adolescents With Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO) and Exercise Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO)

PURPOSE

To compare clinical profiles of pediatric patients with Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO), Exercise Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO), and EILO with non-exertion related secondary triggers (EILO+).

METHODS

A retrospective observational cohort design was employed. Four-hundred and twenty-three patients <18 years of age were identified from the electronic medical record of a large children's hospital. All patients underwent evaluations with a laryngologist and speech-language pathologist and were diagnosed with EILO/ILO. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on dyspnea triggers reported in initial evaluations. Groups consisted of patients with EILO (N = 281), ILO (N = 30), and EILO+ (N = 112). Patient demographics, EILO/ILO symptoms, endoscopy findings, medical comorbidities, medical history, and EILO/ILO treatment information were extracted and compared across EILO/ILO subtypes.

RESULTS

Patients with EILO experienced higher rates of hyperventilation (P < .001), sore throat (P = .023), and chest pain (P = .003). Patients with ILO were significantly younger in age (P = .017) and presented with increased rates of nighttime symptoms (P < .001), globus sensation (P = .008), self-reported reflux symptoms (P = .023), and history of gastrointestinal conditions (P = .034). Patients with EILO+ were more likely to be female (P = .037) and presented with higher prevalence of anxiety (P = .003), ADHD (P = .004), chest tightness (P = .030), and cough (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with EILO, ILO, and EILO+ present with overlapping but unique clinical profiles. A prospective study is warranted to determine the etiology of these differences and clarify how the efficacy of EILO, ILO, and EILO+ treatment can be maximized.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Examining therapy duration in adults with induced laryngeal obstruction (ILO)

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the number of therapy sessions required to sufficiently improve (exercise) induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO/ILO) symptoms for discharge. Factors predicting therapy duration were examined as was the likelihood of patients returning for additional therapy sessions following initial discharge.

METHODS

Retrospective observational cohort design. Data for 350 patients were gathered from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Voice and Swallow Clinics Outcome Database. Patients (>18 years of age) diagnosed with EILO/ILO received therapy from a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and were successfully discharged. EILO/ILO treatment details, symptoms, triggers, medical comorbidities, and patient demographics were collected from initial evaluations and subsequent course of therapy.

RESULTS

Patients required an average of 3.59 (SD = 3.7) therapy sessions prior to discharge. A comorbid behavioral health diagnosis (p = .026), higher Vocal Handicap Index Score (p = .009) and reduced physical activity due to EILO/ILO symptoms (p = .032) were associated with increased therapy duration. Patients with ILO or EILO with secondary environmental triggers required significantly more sessions than those with exercise-induced symptoms (p < .01). Eight percent of patients returned for additional sessions following discharge. Patients returning for additional sessions all came from affluent neighborhoods as measured by the Area Deprivation Index (ADI).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with EILO/ILO required an average of 3.59 therapy sessions prior to discharge. As such, 4 sessions is a reasonable estimate for clinicians to provide patients. Six sessions may be a more conservative estimate for patients who present with a behavioral health diagnosis, a voice complaint, or reduced physical activity from EILO/ILO symptoms.

Exercise-Induced Dyspnea in Collegiate Athletes: Are We Missing the Diagnosis?

OBJECTIVES

Exercise-induced dyspnea (EID) can disrupt an athlete's participation and performance in their given sport. Differential diagnosis of EID is often completed using subjective report and may be inaccurate, therefore increasing the frustration and stress of the athlete. This nonexperimental research study was used to determine prevalence of EID and related respiratory symptoms in athletes at a small, Division I university.

METHODS

An anonymous survey was provided to athletes at Murray State University as they registered for participation in sports for the 2020-2021 school year. Data from this survey was analyzed as to reported physician-given diagnosis of a respiratory disorder as well as reported symptoms of EID.

RESULTS

Results showed that athletes with a physician-given diagnosis often did not report symptoms or responses to medications that support that diagnosis. Additionally, athletes frequently reported symptoms of EID without a formal diagnosis of a respiratory disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide preliminary insight and pilot data that may be used to understand the prevalence of EID in collegiate athletes and the need for improved methods of diagnosis for etiologies of EID.

A longitudinal follow-up of continuous laryngoscopy during exercise test scores in athletes irrespective of laryngeal obstruction, respiratory symptoms, and intervention

BACKGROUND

Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) is diagnosed by the continuous laryngoscopy during exercise (CLE) test. Whether or how much CLE test scores vary over time is unknown. This study aimed to compare CLE test scores in athletes over time, irrespective of respiratory symptoms and grade of laryngeal obstruction.

METHODS

Ninety-eight athletes previously screened for EILO were invited for a follow-up CLE test irrespective of CLE scores and respiratory symptoms. Twenty-nine athletes aged 16-27 did a follow-up CLE test 3-23 months after the baseline test. Laryngeal obstruction at the glottic and supraglottic levels was graded by the observer during exercise, at baseline and follow-up, using a visual grade score (0-3 points).

RESULTS

At baseline, 11 (38%) of the 29 athletes had moderate laryngeal obstruction and received advice on breathing technique; among them, 8 (73%) reported exercise-induced dyspnea during the last 12 months. At follow-up, 8 (73%) of the athletes receiving advice on breathing technique had an unchanged supraglottic score. Three (17%) of the 18 athletes with no or mild laryngeal obstruction at baseline had moderate supraglottic obstruction at follow-up, and none of the 3 reported exercise-induced dyspnea.

CONCLUSIONS

In athletes with repeated testing, CLE scores remain mostly stable over 3-24 months even with advice on breathing technique to those with EILO. However, there is some intraindividual variability in CLE scores over time.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN, ISRCTN60543467, 2020/08/23, retrospectively registered, ISRCTN - ISRCTN60543467: Investigating conditions causing breathlessness in athletes.

Therapy Outcomes for Teenage Athletes With Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction

PURPOSE

This study examined treatment outcomes of speech-language pathology intervention addressing exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) symptoms in teenage athletes.

METHOD

A prospective cohort design was utilized; teenagers diagnosed with EILO completed questionnaires during initial EILO evaluations, posttherapy, 3-month posttherapy, and 6-month posttherapy. Questionnaires examined the frequency of breathing problems, the use of the techniques taught in therapy, and the use of inhaler. Patients completed the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) inventory at all time points.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine patients completed baseline questionnaires. Of these, 38 were surveyed posttherapy, 32 at 3-month posttherapy, and 27 at 6-month posttherapy. Patients reported more frequent and complete activity participation immediately posttherapy (p = .017) as well as reduced inhaler use (p = .036). Patients also reported a significant reduction in the frequency of breathing problems 6-month posttherapy (p = .015). Baseline PedsQL physical and psychosocial scores were below normative range and were not impacted by therapy. Baseline physical PedsQL score significantly predicted frequency of breathing difficulty 6-month posttherapy (p = .04), as better baseline scores were associated with fewer residual symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Therapy with a speech-language pathologist for EILO allowed for more frequent physical activity following therapy completion and decreased dyspnea symptoms 6-month posttherapy. Therapy was associated with a decrease in inhaler use. PedsQL scores indicated mildly poor health-related quality of life even after EILO symptoms improved. Findings support therapy as an effective treatment for EILO in teenage athletes and suggest that dyspnea symptoms may continue to improve following discharge as patients continue using therapy techniques.

A longitudinal study of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and laryngeal obstruction in high school athletes

BACKGROUND

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) and exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) are common in elite athletes. Knowledge of which factors are related to incident EIB and EILO is limited. The aim of this study was to explore the course of EIB and EILO in adolescent athletes over a 2 years period and baseline characteristics related to incident EIB.

METHODS

Questionnaire data on respiratory symptoms, asthma, and aeroallergy and results of objective EIB and EILO tests were collected from 58 participants (27 tested for EILO) at baseline and after 2 years (follow-up). Associations between incident EIB and baseline asthma-like symptoms, exercise-induced symptoms, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), aeroallergy, and sex were assessed using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Ten participants had incident EIB, and eight participants had persistent EIB. Five were EIB positive at baseline but negative at follow-up, while 35 participants were EIB negative at both time points. Having incident EIB was associated with reporting waking up with chest tightness (OR = 4.38; 95% CI: 1.06, 22.09). Reporting an increased number of asthma-like symptoms increased the likelihood of incident EIB (OR = 2.78; 95% CI: 1.16, 6.58). No associations were found between exercise-induced symptoms, FeNO, aeroallergy, or sex and incident EIB. Incident EILO was found in three and persistent EILO in two of the 27 participants tested.

CONCLUSION

Two in nine had incident EIB and one eighth had incident EILO, suggesting that recurrent testing for EIB and EILO may be relevant in young athletes. Particularly, EIB-negative athletes reporting multiple asthma-like symptoms could benefit from recurrent EIB testing.

Vocal cord dysfunction/inducible laryngeal obstruction: novel diagnostics and therapeutics

INTRODUCTION

Vocal cord dysfunction/inducible laryngeal obstruction (VCD/ILO) is an important medical condition but understanding of the condition is imperfect. It occurs in healthy people but often co-exists with asthma. Models of VCD/ILO pathophysiology highlight predisposing factors rather than specific mechanisms and disease expression varies between people, which is seldom appreciated. Diagnosis is often delayed, and the treatment is not evidence based.

AREAS COVERED

A unified pathophysiological model and disease phenotypes have been proposed. Diagnosis is conventionally made by laryngoscopy during inspiration with vocal cord narrowing >50% Recently, dynamic CT larynx was shown to have high specificity (>80%) with potential as a noninvasive, swift, and quantifiable diagnostic modality. Treatment entails laryngeal retraining with speech pathology intervention and experimental therapies such as botulinum toxin injection. Multidisciplinary team (MDT) clinics are a novel innovation with demonstrated benefits including accurate diagnosis, selection of appropriate treatment, and reductions in oral corticosteroid exposure.

EXPERT OPINION

Delayed diagnosis of VCD/ILO is pervasive, often leading to detrimental treatments. Phenotypes require validation and CT larynx can reduce the necessity for laryngoscopy, thereby fast-tracking diagnosis. MDT clinics can optimize management. Randomized controlled trials are essential to validate speech pathology intervention and other treatment modalities and to establish international standards of care.

Exercise induced bronchodilation: a phenomenon more common, greater magnitude and more prolonged in older adults than in adolescents

Objective. There are few studies in clinically healthy subjects describing and quantifying exercise-induced bronchodilation (EIB_d). This study aimed to describe and compare the magnitude and time course changes in post-exercise forced expired volume at the first second (FEV₁) in healthy adolescents, younger adults, and older adults.Methods. Adolescent (n = 73, aged 10-17 yrs), younger adult (n = 35, aged 18-25 yrs) and older adult (n = 25, aged 35-66 yrs) subjects with normal spirometry z-scores completed a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test using the standardised exponential exercise test protocol on a cycle ergometer performed at stable temperature and humidity. Spirometry was performed pre-exercise and at 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10- minutes post-exercise to determine the percentage change in FEV₁ compared to baseline. EIB_d was defined as a ≥5% increase in post-exercise FEV₁.Results. Increases in FEV₁ at one-minute post-exercise were observed in the adolescents (1.3%) and young adults (6.0%) with FEV₁ returning to baseline after ten minutes. Compared to the adolescents, the older adults showed significantly greater and sustained increases in FEV₁ at 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10- minutes post-exercise (6.4, 4.6, 4.7, and 3.8%, p < 0.05). At 1-minute post exercise a significantly greater proportion of younger adults (54%, p < 0.01) and older adults (64%, p < 0.01) demonstrated EIB_d compared to the adolescent group (15%).Conclusion. Healthy older adults had a higher prevalence, greater magnitude and more prolonged EIB_d compared to healthy adolescent and young adult subjects.

Breath Tools: A Synthesis of Evidence-Based Breathing Strategies to Enhance Human Running

Running is among the most popular sporting hobbies and often chosen specifically for intrinsic psychological benefits. However, up to 40% of runners may experience exercise-induced dyspnoea as a result of cascading physiological phenomena, possibly causing negative psychological states or barriers to participation. Breathing techniques such as slow, deep breathing have proven benefits at rest, but it is unclear if they can be used during exercise to address respiratory limitations or improve performance. While direct experimental evidence is limited, diverse findings from exercise physiology and sports science combined with anecdotal knowledge from Yoga, meditation, and breathwork suggest that many aspects of breathing could be improved via purposeful strategies. Hence, we sought to synthesize these disparate sources to create a new theoretical framework called “Breath Tools” proposing breathing strategies for use during running to improve tolerance, performance, and lower barriers to long-term enjoyment.

Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) in athletes: a narrative review by a subgroup of the IOC Consensus on 'acute respiratory illness in the athlete'

Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) is caused by paradoxical inspiratory adduction of laryngeal structures during exercise. EILO is an important cause of upper airway dysfunction in young individuals and athletes, can impair exercise performance and mimic lower airway dysfunction, such as asthma and/or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Over the past two decades, there has been considerable progress in the recognition and assessment of EILO in sports medicine. EILO is a highly prevalent cause of unexplained dyspnoea and wheeze in athletes. The preferred diagnostic approach is continuous visualisation of the larynx (via laryngoscopy) during high-intensity exercise. Recent data suggest that EILO consists of different subtypes, possibly caused via different mechanisms. Several therapeutic interventions for EILO are now in widespread use, but to date, no randomised clinical trials have been performed to assess their efficacy or inform robust management strategies. The aim of this review is to provide a state-of-the-art overview of EILO and guidance for clinicians evaluating and treating suspected cases of EILO in athletes. Specifically, this review examines the pathophysiology of EILO, outlines a diagnostic approach and presents current therapeutic algorithms. The key unmet needs and future priorities for research in this area are also covered.

Exercise Related Respiratory Problems in the Young-Is It Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction or Laryngeal Obstruction?

Complaints of breathlessness during heavy exercise is common in children and adolescents, and represent expressions of a subjective feeling that may be difficult to verify and to link with specific diagnoses through objective tests. Exercise-induced asthma and exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction are two common medical causes of breathing difficulities in children and adolescents that can be challenging to distinguish between, based only on the complaints presented by patients. However, by applying a systematic clinical approach that includes rational use of tests, both conditions can usually be diagnosed reliably. In this invited mini-review, we suggest an approach we find feasible in our everyday clinical work.

The Need for Testing-The Exercise Challenge Test to Disentangle Causes of Childhood Exertional Dyspnea

Exertional dyspnea is a common symptom in childhood which can induce avoidance of physical activity, aggravating the original symptom. Common causes of exertional dyspnea are exercise induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), dysfunctional breathing, physical deconditioning and the sensation of dyspnea when reaching the physiological limit. These causes frequently coexist, trigger one another and have overlapping symptoms, which can impede diagnoses and treatment. In the majority of children with exertional dyspnea, EIB is not the cause of symptoms, and in asthmatic children it is often not the only cause. An exercise challenge test (ECT) is a highly specific tool to diagnose EIB and asthma in children. Sensitivity can be increased by simulating real-life environmental circumstances where symptoms occur, such as environmental factors and exercise modality. An ECT reflects daily life symptoms and impairment, and can in an enjoyable way disentangle common causes of exertional dyspnea.

Prevalence of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and laryngeal obstruction in adolescent athletes

OBJECTIVES

To study the prevalence of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) and exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) in adolescent athletes.

METHODS

All adolescents (n = 549) attending first year at a sports high school in 2016 and 2017, were invited to answer a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. The 367 responding participants were divided into two groups based on whether they reported exercise-induced dyspnea (dyspnea group) or not (nondyspnea group). Randomly selected participants in each group were invited to undergo two standardized exercise tests, an EIB test and a continuous laryngoscopy exercise (CLE) test, to investigate EILO.

RESULTS

In total, 98 participants completed an EIB test, 75 of whom also completed a CLE test. Positive EIB tests: eight of 41 in the dyspnea group and 16 of 57 in the nondyspnea group. Positive CLE tests: 5 of 34 in the dyspnea group and three of 41 in the nondyspnea group. The estimated prevalence of EIB was 23.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.5-33.8) and of EILO 8.1% (95% CI: 2.5-18.5) in the whole study population. No differences in prevalence of EIB or EILO were found between the dyspnea and the nondyspnea groups.

CONCLUSION

EIB was highly prevalent in this cohort of adolescent athletes. EILO was less prevalent, but represents an important differential diagnosis to EIB. Self-reported exercise-induced dyspnea is a weak indicator for both EIB and EILO and standardized testing should be provided.