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VCD & EILO Treatment for Athletes

When breathing limits performance — we correct it.

Welcome to Functional Airway Lab

Speech Pathology & Functional Breathing Retraining for Athletes

Functional Airway Lab specializes in the assessment and treatment of exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) — also called vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) or paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM) — and breathing pattern disorders.


If you experience sudden shortness of breath, throat tightness, noisy breathing, difficulty getting air in, or breathing symptoms that don't improve with an inhaler, there may be more happening than asthma alone.


We help athletes understand what's limiting their breathing and develop the skills to breathe more efficiently and maintain airway control when exercise intensity increases.

You have probably heard it called VCD. Today, It's more commonly called EILO.

You may have been told you or your child has vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) or paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM).


These are terms that are still widely used by patients and healthcare providers. Today, when symptoms occur specifically during exercise, the condition is more accurately described as exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO).


Different name. Similar experience.


At Functional Airway Lab, we work with athletes who have been diagnosed with EILO, VCD, PVFM — or who are still trying to understand what's causing their breathing symptoms.

Do your recognize these symptoms?

Exercise should challenge your body — not your ability to breathe.

If you experience any of the following during activity, it may indicate an underlying breathing issue such as exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction — not asthma.


  • Shortness of breath that comes on quickly during high-intensity exercise
  • A feeling of tightness or restriction in the throat or upper chest
  • Noisy breathing (gasping, stridor, or high-pitched sounds)
  • Difficulty getting air in, rather than out
  • Symptoms that resolve quickly after stopping exercise
  • Limited response or no improvement with inhalers
  • Feeling like your breathing is the limiting factor — not your fitness
  • Needing to stop or slow down due to breathing discomfort.


You’re not alone — and more importantly, this is treatable.


With the right evaluation and targeted breathing intervention, these symptoms can be effectively addressed to restore confidence and performance

Conditions We Work With

Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO)

Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO)

Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO)

A breathing disorder in which the larynx narrows inappropriately during exercise, often causing sudden difficulty getting air in, throat tightness, or noisy breathing. EILO can be mistaken for asthma and may occur alone or alongside other breathing conditions.

Breathing Pattern Disorder (BPD)

Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO)

Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO)

An inefficient or disrupted breathing pattern that can contribute to breathlessness, exercise intolerance, excessive breathing effort, and difficulty regulating breathing during activity. Breathing pattern disorders may occur alongside EILO or other respiratory conditions.

Exercise-Related Breathing Symptoms

Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO)

Exercise-Related Breathing Symptoms

Breathing difficulty during exercise can have multiple causes, including EILO, asthma, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), breathing pattern disorder, or combinations of these conditions. We focus on identifying breathing patterns and upper-airway contributors and collaborate with medical providers when additional evaluation is needed.

Who We Work With

Middle & High School Athletes

Middle & High School Athletes

Middle & High School Athletes

Collegiate Athletes

Middle & High School Athletes

Middle & High School Athletes

Elite & Competitive Athletes

Middle & High School Athletes

Elite & Competitive Athletes

Endurance Athletes

Team Sport Athletes

Elite & Competitive Athletes

Team Sport Athletes

Team Sport Athletes

Team Sport Athletes

Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact Karie Marsh at karie@functionalairwaylab.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Functional Airway Lab specializes in exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) and breathing pattern disorder (BPD). These conditions are often misdiagnosed or co-occur. Our assessments are designed to identify exactly what's happening with your breathing and why.

Treatment begins with a comprehensive clinical assessment of your breathing mechanics, symptom patterns, and airway behavior during exercise. From there, we build a structured, individualized plan that progresses from foundational breathing skills to sport-specific intensity. 

Both. We work with athletes from middle school through elite and adult competitive levels. EILO and breathing pattern disorders affect athletes of all ages and in all sports. The treatment principles are the same, adapted to your training environment and goals.

Yes. Functional Airway Lab offers both in-person sessions in Ventura, CA, and virtual telehealth sessions. Many athletes work with us entirely online and we have clients throughout several states. 

Functional Airway Lab is a private-pay practice and does not accept insurance at this time. This allows us to provide more specialized, personalized care tailored to each individual’s breathing needs, goals, and activities. We can also provide documentation for you to submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement.

Start with a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. You'll describe what's happening during exercise, ask any questions you have, and get a clearer sense of whether Functional Airway Lab is the right fit — with no commitment required.

Ready to find out what is actually limiting your breathing?

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Schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation.

Start with a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation with Dr. Karie Marsh. No commitment — just a direct conversation about your symptoms and whether Functional Airway Lab is the right fit.

Functional Airway Lab

4532 Telephone Road suite 114, Ventura, CA, USA

(805) 754-7768 karie@functionalairwaylab.com 4532 Telephone Rd., Suite 114 Ventura, CA 93003

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