EILO: Symptoms Make an Appointment Refer a Patient Ask a Question Reviewed by J. Tod Olin, MD, MSCS (October 01, 2016) Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) and Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO) are confused with asthma, because the two respiratory diseases share similar symptoms. People with VCD and EILO may experience the following symptoms: Shortness of breath Chest and/or throat tightness Feeling they are "breathing through a straw" Stridor/wheezing Difficulty with inhalation and/or exhalation Frequent throat clearing Intermittent hoarseness Chronic cough. When VCD and EILO are not correctly identified, people are often treated with asthma medications. Since VCD and EILO are separate diagnoses from asthma, symptoms do not improve or only minimally improve with asthma medications. Incorrect diagnosis and treatment may also lead to frequent emergency room visits and hospitalizations. People unnecessarily taking medication suffer side effects without enjoying any of the benefits of the medication. Some people do have both asthma and VCD or EILO and will need to be appropriately treated for both conditions. EILO: Triggers EILO: Diagnosis Clinical Trials For more than 100 years, National Jewish Health has been committed to finding new treatments and cures for diseases. Search our clinical trials.
Reviewed by J. Tod Olin, MD, MSCS (October 01, 2016) Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) and Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO) are confused with asthma, because the two respiratory diseases share similar symptoms. People with VCD and EILO may experience the following symptoms: Shortness of breath Chest and/or throat tightness Feeling they are "breathing through a straw" Stridor/wheezing Difficulty with inhalation and/or exhalation Frequent throat clearing Intermittent hoarseness Chronic cough. When VCD and EILO are not correctly identified, people are often treated with asthma medications. Since VCD and EILO are separate diagnoses from asthma, symptoms do not improve or only minimally improve with asthma medications. Incorrect diagnosis and treatment may also lead to frequent emergency room visits and hospitalizations. People unnecessarily taking medication suffer side effects without enjoying any of the benefits of the medication. Some people do have both asthma and VCD or EILO and will need to be appropriately treated for both conditions. EILO: Triggers EILO: Diagnosis