Many people struggle with shortness of breath during exercise. They are often given a diagnosis of asthma or exercise-induced asthma but treatment sometimes does not help. In order to evaluate breathing difficulties during exercise, it is essential to recreate your symptoms with an exercise challenge. We feel the key to finding the answer is to obtain good objective data via cardiopulmonary exercise testing as well as pre- and post-exercise lung function, and upper airway visualization. Our clinic brings together experts in Sports Medicine, Otolaryngology, Exercise Science, and Speech Therapy to diagnose and treat the underlying problem causing your shortness of breath while exercising.

If you exercise and you find that your symptoms are limiting your ability to perform at your best, we want to help you reach your full potential.

• Continuous Laryngoscopy with Exercise
• Spirometry
• Exercise Induced Asthma Provocation
• Cardiopulmonary Exercise Assessments

Often when people think of breathing issues, they associate the issue with asthma. Research has shown that up to five percent of adolescents suffer from a condition known as Exercise Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO) formally called Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD). EILO happens when the vocal cords block the airway causing shortness of breath and a decrease in the ability to exercise. Athletic activity is not the only cause for an episode of EILO; stress and anxiety are also very common triggers. An individual with EILO will typically experience a rapid onset of symptoms, tightness in the throat, struggling with inhalation (breathing in) and high pitched breathing sounds (stridor) during intense physical activity with a rapid recovery once activity is stopped. EILO is a very treatable condition once it is properly diagnosed and managed.

CLE testing involves placing a small flexible camera (nasolaryngeal scope) via the nostril which is then secured in place and held by a head-gear. This allows continuous visualization of the upper airway while exercising. Once placed, the patient is asked you exercise via treadmill, bike, or rowing to provoke symptoms. Cayuga Health’s Shortness of Breath with Exercise Clinic is one of the few places in the world to offer this testing.

Learn More

1. Make an appointment with Dr. Getzin for an initial consultation
   If traveling, you will be asked to provide pre-Shortness of Breath Clinic information that can be reviewed by Dr. Getzin to determine if you are a candidate for our Shortness of Breath Clinic. This will include a chest x-ray, complete blood count, ECG, and spirometry: pre- and post-bronchodilator. Please contact our office to schedule an appointment.
2. Exercise induced asthma testing
   Typically you will be running on a treadmill, riding a bike, or rowing on an ergometer. Our team will test your lung function at baseline and then again after exercise to see if exercise provokes and asthmatic response.
3. Continuous Laryngoscopy with Exercise (CLE)
   Once again you will exercise to provoke your symptoms. CLE testing allows direct visualization of the larynx during exercise to help with diagnosis of Exercise Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO) which is commonly misdiagnosed as asthma. We are one of the few clinics in the United States performing CLE.