Abstract
Introduction Exercise induced inspiratory symptoms or stridor (EIIS) is a compound set of symptoms, frequently occurring in physically active and otherwise healthy young people. Symptom descriptions and level of complaints vary between patients.
Aim Study symptoms in patients with EIIS
MethodAll patients referred to our clinic due to EIIS are offered an examination with continuous laryngoscopy during maximal treadmill exercise (CLE-test), and complete a standardized questionnaire. We report symptom scores obtained in 2012-13.
Results A total of 213 referrals were registered, 66% females, age range 7-62 years, 65% between 13-18 years. In 60% of subjects, EIIS first presented between 9-15 years of age. Symptoms were characterized as similar each time they occurred by 86% of subjects, occurring already at low intensity exercise in 35% and at high intensity in 83%. Panic reactions or fear during most episodes with breathing problems were reported by 25%, and 91% felt that EIIS prevented them from reaching their goals in sports. Half of the patients had reduced their level of physical activity due to EIIS, and 56% would have exercised more without EIIS. Laryngoscopy during exercise revealed moderate or severe supraglottic obstruction in 59% of patients, of whom 70% described this as an inspiratory problem, and 59% described stridor. There were minor differences regarding descriptions of breathing related problems between those with no or mild vs. moderate or severe supraglottic obstruction at the CLE-test.
Conclusion EIIS disturbs exercise performance in a notable number of young and otherwise healthy individuals; however, symptom descriptions and laryngoscopic findings were partly discordant, underlining the value of objective test methods.
- © 2014 ERS
