Condition

Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO)

What You Need to Know

Induced laryngeal obstruction (ILO) is a breathing condition where the vocal cords briefly close during inhaling, causing shortness of breath or noisy breathing. Symptoms are often triggered by exercise, stress or irritants.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of ILO are:

Sudden trouble breathing or noisy breathing
Throat tightness, especially during exercise or stressful situations
Coughing or a choking sensation
Symptoms improve quickly once the trigger—like activity, stress or irritants—stops

Diagnosis

Doctors typically diagnose ILO by:

Review of symptoms and triggers
Laryngoscopy
Breathing tests to help rule out asthma or other lung conditions
Observation during exercise or exposure to triggers

Treatment

Treatment may include:

Breathing and relaxation techniques to help keep the vocal cords open
Education about triggers and strategies to avoid or reduce them
Medications to treat related conditions

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is ILO in children?

Induced laryngeal obstruction (ILO) is a condition where a child’s vocal cords briefly close when they should stay open for breathing. This abnormal closing can make it suddenly hard for a child to breathe in, causing symptoms like noisy breathing, throat tightness or a feeling of not getting enough air. Episodes often happen during exercise, stress or exposure to irritants, and they usually improve quickly once the trigger is gone.

What are the symptoms of ILO in children?

How is ILO diagnosed in a child?

What causes ILO in children?

Induced laryngeal obstruction (ILO) in children is usually triggered by things that irritate or stress the airway. Common triggers include exercise, strong smells or fumes, emotional stress and acid reflux. These triggers can cause the vocal cords to briefly close during breathing, leading to sudden breathing difficulty. Understanding and avoiding triggers can help prevent episodes and make symptoms easier to manage.

What is the treatment for ILO in children?

Treatment for induced laryngeal obstruction (ILO) focuses on helping children control their breathing and reduce triggers that cause symptoms. Most care plans include breathing exercises and relaxation techniques, often taught by a speech therapist, to keep the vocal cords open during inhaling. Children also learn how to identify and avoid triggers, such as strong smells, strenuous exercise, or stress, which can help prevent episodes over time. With the right strategies, most children see significant improvement in their symptoms.

What children are at risk for ILO?

Children may be at higher risk for induced laryngeal obstruction (ILO) if they have anxiety, asthma or frequent exposure to irritants such as smoke, strong smells or airborne chemicals. These factors can make the vocal cords more sensitive and more likely to close abnormally during breathing. Understanding these risks can help families and care teams identify triggers and manage symptoms more effectively.

Departments That Treat ILO

Allergy and Immunology

At Children's National, children with allergies and complex immune disorders benefit from specialists who exclusively treat pediatric conditions. The team provides children and teens with greater access to experts in asthma, allergies, and both inherited and acquired immune system disorders. Learn about our program.

Pulmonary Medicine

Children's National is ranked as one of the best pediatric pulmonology and lung surgery hospitals in the country. Learn more about treatments for chronic and acute respiratory diseases such as cystic fibrosis and asthma.

Otolaryngologist looking in young girl's ear

Ear, Nose and Throat (Otolaryngology)

Our ENT specialists offer expert care in ear, nose and throat conditions. Learn about our advanced pediatric ENT (otolaryngology) treatments.

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