Treatment for Upper Airway Disorders
Everyone needs to breathe, but a collection of problems called upper airway disorders interfere with easy breathing. These problems are different than asthma. Inhalers and asthma medications are ineffective. However, if you have been diagnosed with an upper airway disorder, we can help!
It is possible to have asthma and an upper airway disorder. Your inhaler or asthma medications may give you partial relief. If you have asthma and an upper airway disorder, we can help!
Successful Treatment of Exercise Induced Laryngeal Obstruction in High School Basketball Player
Here is a link to a very good article about an upper airway disorder called exercise induced laryngeal obstruction, or EILO. It tells the story of a high school basketball player, Maya Austerman, who experienced tightness in her chest and throat, wheezing, and other symptoms. Sounds like asthma, right? This problem is often diagnosed as asthma, but in EILO, the vocal folds close during inhalation. Inhalers and asthma medications didn’t work for Maya. She was successfully treated by speech-language pathologist Claudio Milstein, PhD, CCC-SLP, of Cleveland Clinic, and safely returned to the basketball court.
Testing and Information about Upper Airway Disorders
To begin, if you or your loved one is struggling with breathing, see a doctor. Common tests for upper airway disorders include spirometry and laryngoscopy. These tests reveal specific characteristics that help with diagnosis.
As you learn more about your own condition, do research. The American Thoracic Society has a wealth of information about these disorders and more in their patient education information series. This page contains information about vocal cord dysfunction, inspiratory laryngeal obstruction, EILO, and more.
Finally, if an upper airway diagnosis has been made, we can help. We treat upper airway disorders, including:
- Exercise induced laryngeal obstruction
- Paradoxical vocal fold motion
- Vocal cord dysfunction
- Inspiratory laryngeal obstruction
- Irritable larynx syndrome
- Chronic cough
- Chronic throat clearing
Contact us to schedule an assessment or for more information.
