Objective: To compare laryngoscopically observed changes in the larynx during exercise in persons with exercise-induced laryngomalacia (EIL) with changes in asymptomatic control subjects.
Study design: Clinical study using a standardized exercise protocol.
Methods: Subjects exercised on an incremental ergometer: videotaped recordings of the larynx were obtained through the entire exercise; pulmonary function tests were completed before and/or immediately after the exercise.
Results: Laryngeal lumen size decreases during exercise in subjects with EIL.
Conclusion: Subjects with EIL had a significant decrease in laryngeal lumen size during exercise compared with asymptomatic control subjects.