What is a Therapeutic Laryngoscopy during Exercise session?
A Therapeutic Laryngoscopy during Exercise session (TLE) is a breathing retraining session indicated for patients with Exercise Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO). In this session, you will learn a specific breathing technique designed to help you open your upper airway when you use it.
How should you get ready for the session?
- Continue to take all of your medications as you usually do.
- Since exercising can drop blood sugar in patients who are taking medications to control diabetes, if you are diabetic, bring your glucose meter, test strips, and a source of fast·acting glucose with you (such as glucose tablets or glucose gel).
- Please eat as you normally would before exercising or prior to a game/meet/race - at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
- Please make sure you are well-hydrated prior to exercising.
- Wear comfortable clothes for exercise – layers are recommended. No dresses, please. Wear tennis (running) type shoes. Avoid wearing sandals, slippers or high heels.
How is a Therapeutic Laryngoscopy during Exercise session carried out?
- Before the testing begins, a technician will use a local anesthetic gel to numb one of your nostrils.
- Your blood pressure will be taken before (and after) you exercise.
- You will be asked to blow into a tube before (and after) you exercise to check how well your lungs are working.
- You will be exercising on a cycle ergometer (stationary bicycle) during the session.
- Prior to exercise, you will be introduced to the breathing technique that you will be practicing throughout the session.
- Once you are seated on the bike, a provider (doctor or advanced practice provider) will pass a laryngoscope through the nasal passage to the back of the throat to visualize the larynx from above. You will wear a mask and some light headgear to hold the scope in place as you exercise.
- You will be asked to perform interval sprints on the bike, during which you will practice the breathing technique.
- You will be asked to complete a total of three Therapeutic Laryngoscopy during Exercise sessions, typically once per day on Friday, Monday, and Tuesday.
How long will this session take?
A Therapeutic Laryngoscopy during Exercise session often takes 1.5 hours. Actual exercise does not take the full time. Some of that time period involves preparing you for the exercise session and observing you after the session.
Where will this session take place?
A Therapeutic Laryngoscopy during Exercise session will always take place within the Exercise and Performance Breathing Center located on the 5th floor of the Center for Outpatient Health.
If you have questions, please call Pulmonary Physiology Services at 303-398-1530.
©National Jewish Health, 10/2025
