Location
Turner Gymnasium
Access Type
Open Access
Presentation Type
Digital poster
Entry Number
38
Start Date
4-16-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
4-16-2026 1:15 PM
School
School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Department
Athletic Training
Keywords
Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction, Dyspnea, Stridor, Vocal Cord Dysfunction, Laryngeal Control Therapy
Abstract
A 17-year-old female, elite alpine skier and varsity soccer player presented with shortness of breath (SOB), described as "suffocating," and audible laryngeal stridor often occurring at heart rates exceeding 180 beats per minute (bpm). Based on clinical presentation and the exclusion of allergies and asthma, she was diagnosed with Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO). Interventions focused on conservative management, including breathing techniques for vocal cord dysfunction, and the supplemental use of an Albuterol inhaler for symptomatic relief during high-intensity exertion. Unlike other typical exercise-induced dyspnea conditions, this patient's symptoms responded better to a behavioral approach. This included relaxing the larynx; hence the supplemental use of an Albuterol inhaler, focusing on conscious breathing modifications, and intensity regulations. This case highlights the uniqueness of EILO and the necessity of distinguishing it from asthma to avoid ineffective long-term treatment. It is recognized that these symptoms may resolve with maturation, but clinical success currently relies on the patient's mastery of breathing mechanics and self-monitoring during maximal athletic exertion.
Primary Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Debbie Bradney Dr. DuAnn E Kremer
Primary Faculty Mentor(s) Department
Exercise Physiology Master of Science of Athletic Training
Rights Statement
The right to download or print any portion of this material is granted by the copyright owner only for personal or educational use. The author/creator retains all proprietary rights, including copyright ownership. Any editing, other reproduction or other use of this material by any means requires the express written permission of the copyright owner. Except as provided above, or for any other use that is allowed by fair use (Title 17, §107 U.S.C.), you may not reproduce, republish, post, transmit or distribute any material from this web site in any physical or digital form without the permission of the copyright owner of the material.
Respiratory Distress in an Adolescent, Competitive Alpine Skier
Turner Gymnasium
A 17-year-old female, elite alpine skier and varsity soccer player presented with shortness of breath (SOB), described as "suffocating," and audible laryngeal stridor often occurring at heart rates exceeding 180 beats per minute (bpm). Based on clinical presentation and the exclusion of allergies and asthma, she was diagnosed with Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO). Interventions focused on conservative management, including breathing techniques for vocal cord dysfunction, and the supplemental use of an Albuterol inhaler for symptomatic relief during high-intensity exertion. Unlike other typical exercise-induced dyspnea conditions, this patient's symptoms responded better to a behavioral approach. This included relaxing the larynx; hence the supplemental use of an Albuterol inhaler, focusing on conscious breathing modifications, and intensity regulations. This case highlights the uniqueness of EILO and the necessity of distinguishing it from asthma to avoid ineffective long-term treatment. It is recognized that these symptoms may resolve with maturation, but clinical success currently relies on the patient's mastery of breathing mechanics and self-monitoring during maximal athletic exertion.