Long-Term Outcomes of Respiratory Retraining Therapy for Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the long-term outcomes and efficacy of respiratory retraining therapy in patients with exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO). MethodsA retrospective chart review and prospective questionnaire-based survey was conducted on 88 patients who received respiratory retraining therapy for EILO at our institution over the past 5 years Results34 patients were included in the final analysis, with a mean age at symptom onset and age at initial evaluation of 13.67 ± 2.96 and 15.12 ± 3.48, respectively. We found a statistically significant difference in the pre-treatment and post-treatment Dyspnea Indices following respiratory retraining therapy, with a mean difference of 12.03 ± 7.18 (p < 0.001). When asked about the effectiveness of respiratory retraining therapy, the majority of patients (n = 28) reported improvement (13.3% “a little”, 13.3% “somewhat better”, 53.3% (“a lot better”, and 13.3% complete resolution of symptoms. Only 2 patients (6.7%) responded that their breathing “did not get better.” The most effective therapy techniques cited by patients were abdominal breathing (n = 10), ratio breathing (n = 5), and pursed lip or “straw” breathing (n = 5). ConclusionRespiratory retraining therapy represents an effective technique in both the short-term and long-term management of EILO. This therapy remains the first line in management of EILO due to its ease of administration, non-invasive nature, and durable effect on breathing function.