Specialized Speech Therapy for Athletes
What is Vocal Cord Dysfunction?
Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) occurs when the vocal folds or surrounding structures narrow or close when they should be open during breathing. This abnormal movement narrows the airway at the level of the larynx and can make it feel difficult to get air in. For athletes, this condition often appears during exercise, which is why it is frequently referred to as Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO).
This typically occurs at peak exertion and resolves quickly once activity stops. Individuals with VCD/EILO often experience sudden breathing difficulty despite normal lung function and cardiac testing.
VCD/EILO is commonly misdiagnosed as asthma, but the underlying mechanism is different. Instead of lower airway narrowing, VCD/EILO involves inappropriate closure or collapse of structures in the throat during inhalation. Because of this, inhalers alone do not resolve symptoms, and breathing retraining with an experienced and qualified speech-language pathologist is the primary treatment approach.
Learn more about VCD/EILO vs. asthma here: EILO vs. Asthma: How to Tell the Difference
Common Signs and Symptoms
in Athletes
Sudden shortness of breath during exertion
Cough
Throat tightness or a choking sensation
Symptom resolution once activity stops
Noisy breathing on inhalation (stridor)
Poor exercise tolerance despite good conditioning
Difficulty getting air in
Anxiety or panic triggered by breathing distress
Why Inhalers Often Don't Work In VCD/EILO
One of the biggest clues that breathing difficulty may be related to VCD or EILO is when asthma medications do not improve symptoms.
Asthma medications target inflammation in the lungs, while VCD/EILO occurs at the level of the vocal folds in the throat. Because of this difference, treatment often focuses on breathing retraining and laryngeal control strategies rather than medication.
Read more here: Why Your Inhaler Isn’t Helping Your Athlete's Breathing During Exercise
When to Consider an Evaluation
You or your athlete may benefit from evaluation if:
Breathing problems typically happen during periods of exercise
Inhalers or medications do no improve symptoms
You feel a tightness or closing of your throat
Breathing becomes noisy during intense activity
Many athletes with these symptoms are eventually diagnosed with Vocal Cord Dysfunction, also known as Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction, rather than asthma.
How Speech Therapy and Functional Breathing Rehabilitation Help
Speech-language pathologists play an important role in the treatment of vocal cord dysfunction or exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction. At FLO2, we specialize in breathing rehabilitation for athletes and active individuals with VCD/EILO. We don't just focus on symptom management. Our approach focuses on restoring efficient breathing mechanics and improving upper airway control during exertion.
Treatment may include:
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Breathing coordination and rhythm training
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Nasal breathing and airway stabilization strategies
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Strategies to reduce throat tension
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Respiratory muscle efficiency and control
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Nervous system regulation during high-intensity effort
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Sport-specific breathing integration
Programs are individualized and designed to support performance, not just symptom reduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vocal cord dysfunction, or exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction, the same as asthma?
No. Asthma affects the lungs, while VCD/EILO involves abnormal movements of the throat.
Can athletes have both asthma and VCD/EILO?
Yes. Some athletes have both conditions, which is why proper evaluation is important.
Who treats VCD or EILO?
Treatment often involves a qualified speech-language pathologist specializing in breathing rehabilitation for VCD/EILO.
Learn More About VCD/EILO In Our Blog
IContact us to learn more or to schedule a complimentary phone consultation
4532 Telephone Rd., Suite 114
Ventura, CA 93003
805-754-7768
