Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) in Athletes

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


Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is a term that many patients and healthcare providers still use to describe episodes of abnormal laryngeal movement or narrowing during breathing.


When these symptoms occur specifically during exercise, the condition is more accurately described as exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO).


At Functional Airway Lab, we work with athletes who have been diagnosed with VCD, PVFM, or EILO — as well as athletes who are experiencing these symptoms but haven't yet received a clear diagnosis.

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What is VCD?

Vocal cord dysfunction is an older term used to describe inappropriate movement or closure of the vocal folds during breathing.


During an episode, the larynx can narrow and make it difficult to move air normally.


Although the terminology has evolved, many people still receive a diagnosis of "VCD" or find the condition by searching for that term.


If your doctor told you that you have VCD, you're in the right place.

VCD, PVFM, and EILO: What's the Difference?

You may encounter several different names for essentially related laryngeal breathing problems. Learn more in our blog.

Learn More

What Does VCD/EILO Feel Like?

Sudden Breathlessness

Stridor or Noisy Breathing

Stridor or Noisy Breathing

Severe difficulty breathing that comes on rapidly during peak exercise intensity — the onset is sudden and often frightening.

Stridor or Noisy Breathing

Stridor or Noisy Breathing

Stridor or Noisy Breathing

A high-pitched, inspiratory sound caused by turbulent airflow through the partially obstructed larynx. Often audible to coaches, parents, and teammates.

Throat Tightness

Stridor or Noisy Breathing

Difficulty Breathing In

A sensation of the throat closing or choking — distinct from the chest tightness typical of lower airway conditions. 

Difficulty Breathing In

Minimal Improvement with Inhaler Use

Difficulty Breathing In

VCD/EILO restricts inhalation, not exhalation. Athletes often describe it as being unable to get air in — rather than the wheezing on breathing out associated with asthma.

Rapid Resolution

Minimal Improvement with Inhaler Use

Minimal Improvement with Inhaler Use

Symptoms resolve within minutes of stopping exercise — one of the key differentiators from asthma, which often persists or worsens after activity ends.

Minimal Improvement with Inhaler Use

Minimal Improvement with Inhaler Use

Minimal Improvement with Inhaler Use

Rescue inhalers provide little to no relief because VCD/EILO is not a lower airway condition. This is one of the clearest clinical signals that something other than asthma is present.

VCD/EILO vs. EIB

Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD)/Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO)

Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD)/Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO)

Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD)/Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO)

  • Happens during peak exercise
  • Difficulty inhaling
  • Throat tightness
  • Rapid resolution once activity is stopped
  • Minimal to no improvement with inhaler use

Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB)

Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD)/Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO)

Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD)/Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO)

  • Often happens after exercise
  • Difficulty exhaling/wheeze
  • Chest Tightness
  • Slower Recovery
  • Inhaler Use Often Helpful

Why Is VCD Sometimes Misdiagnosed?

Breathing difficulty during exercise can be frightening, and the symptoms can look like asthma.


As a result, some athletes are treated for asthma even when their primary problem involves the upper airway.


Others may have both asthma and EILO.


A careful history, appropriate medical evaluation, and—in some cases—exercise-based laryngeal testing can help distinguish between these conditions.


Functional Airway Lab works collaboratively with medical providers when additional diagnostic evaluation is appropriate.

Interested in learning more about the diagnosis of VCD?

Getting a proper diagnosis can be a lengthy process. Learn more in our blog.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at karie@functionalairwaylab.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

VCD is an older term that has been used to describe abnormal vocal fold movement. EILO specifically describes laryngeal obstruction that occurs during exercise.

VCD remains a commonly used term, but terminology has evolved. Current clinical terminology generally favors Inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) or exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO), depending on the trigger.

Yes. VCD/EILO can produce symptoms that resemble asthma, particularly during exercise. Some people have both conditions.

Yes. Running and other high-intensity activities can trigger symptoms.

Yes. Swimmers can experience VCD/EILO and other exercise-related breathing difficulties.

Many parents and athletes are surprised when speech therapy is recommended, especially if their child communicates well. Speech-language pathologists evaluate and treat a wide range of skills related to breathing, swallowing, feeding, voice, airway function, and communication. Therefore, we are specially trained in the anatomy and function of the larynx and airway and uniquely positioned to treat VCD/EILO. 

Think you might have VCD or EILO?

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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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