Breathing Retraining

• Do you have trouble breathing while exercising?

• Has asthma treatment been ineffective?

• Has your doctor diagnosed you with VCD, irritable larynx, EILO, or PVFM?

All these terms describe similar sets of symptoms. Let’s focus on the upper airway: the vocal folds are two small folds of tissue near the top of the airway. Above and around the vocal folds are muscles, cartilage, and folds of tissue. Together, they help control airflow. Normally, the upper airway remains open during quiet breathing or exercise so air can flow freely. In one of the above conditions, this normal process isn’t working right. The upper airway may close partially during breathing. This allows less airflow, so a person will demonstrate trouble breathing.

With help from a specially trained speech pathologist, you can gain control over these muscles.

After diagnosis by a specialized otolaryngologist (ENT), pulmonologist, or allergist, your speech pathologist can help you develop an individualized plan to retrain your breathing. We have a treadmill in the office, so athletes can practice the techniques while exercising. These techniques and strategies can be used long term to prevent and manage your breathing symptoms during exercise or other activities.