Exercise-induced inspiratory symptoms in school children

Abstract

Background and aims: Exercise-induced inspiratory symptoms (EIIS) have multiple causes, one of which is exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO). There is limited knowledge regarding EIIS in children, both in primary care practices and in pediatric asthma clinics. The aim of this study was to describe the feasibility of a diagnostic methodology and its results in a cohort of children with EIIS referred to our tertiary pediatric pulmonary center.

Methods: This study analyzed consecutively collected data in children from East Denmark and Greater Copenhagen referred during a 3½ years period. The continuous laryngoscopy exercise (CLE) test directly visualizes the larynx using a flexible laryngoscope during a maximal exercise test. A post-test questionnaire evaluated the subjective impact of the examination.

Results: The study included 60 children (37 girls/23 boys) with a mean age of 14 years (range 9-18). The feasibility of the CLE test was 98%; 18 children (35%) had EILO, while 33 children (61%) showed no abnormalities. Other laryngeal abnormalities were observed in three children before the exercise test. Asthma medication was successfully discontinued in 13 (72%) children with EILO. A significantly greater proportion of children shown to have EILO in the CLE test reported coping better with their EIIS than children with negative test (85% vs. 45%; P = 0.03).

Conclusions: Continuous laryngoscopy during exercise is feasible and useful for identifying children with EILO. A correct diagnosis of EILO can help relieve patient anxiety, improve their coping with symptoms, and prevent unnecessary long-term and potentially harmful asthma treatments involving high-dose inhaled steroids. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:1200-1205. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Keywords: airway obstruction; children; exercise; laryngoscopy.