Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) and factors modifying laryngeal function in the population of Polish athletes.

OBJECTIVE

Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) is a common cause of breathing difficulties during physical exercise. This study examined the relationship between EILO diagnosis and factors influencing laryngeal function in the cohort of Polish athletes.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from 31 patients diagnosed with exertional dyspnea at the National Centre for Sports Medicine over a 2.5-year period. The analysis included results from spirometry, flexible videolaryngoscopy at rest, continuous laryngoscopy during exercise (CLE), assessment of laryngeal reflux using the reflux symptom index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS) scales, and palpation of neck muscle tension performed by an otolaryngologist.

RESULTS

Out of the 31 athletes, 14 (45%) were diagnosed with EILO, 9 (29%) with asthma, and 1(7%) had both EILO and asthma. In 7 athletes, no specific respiratory conditions were diagnosed. While self-reported reflux symptoms (RSI) were similar between groups, RFS scores reflecting visible laryngeal changes were significantly higher in the non-EILO group (4.53 vs. 1.43). Neck muscle tension levels were similar across both groups.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of EILO among Polish athletes diagnosed with exertional dyspnea is consistent with findings in other countries. While laryngopharyngeal reflux disease is not directly correlated with EILO, patients with EILO may report relatively high scores on self-assessment reflux scales due to the similarity of symptoms. Furthermore, neck muscle tension levels were not correlated with EILO in our patient cohort.