Vocal Cord Dysfunction Treatment Northfield, IL

Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (Vocal Cord Dysfunction) Treatments

Pediatric Pulmonologist in Northfield, IL

Inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) describes the conditions in which an adolescent athlete generally has no symptoms while at rest, but experiences respiratory shortness of breath with high-intensity exercise.

What happens is that the back of the throat (laryngeal structures) partially or completely closes due to various causes. Symptoms usually resolve within a few minutes of resting. However, a history of mild asthma is often seen.

ILO has become the correct terminology to describe this cluster of symptoms. ILO had been incorrectly called vocal cord dysfunction, paradoxical vocal cord movement disorder, and a host of other confusing terms.

Diagnosis of ILO (VCD) is made with appropriate history, a physical examination, and complete baseline lung function studies, exercise provocation to directly measure the physiological responses while the athlete is symptomatic and a laryngoscopy to assess for mechanical, hypersensitivity, and anatomical causes.

If your child is experiencing vocal cord dysfunction, it may be time to have him or her tested at our comprehensive Sports Physiology Center, where effective treatment can be recommended.

For more information, call our team at Chicago Pulmonary Specialists at (847) 998-3434 or request an appointment using our convenient online form.