[Inducible laryngeal obstruction: detection and management]

Inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) is a phenomenon of paradoxical upper airway closure during breathing causing respiratory distress and a noisy breathing. It most often appears during maximal exertion but can also be induced by inhalation of irritants, pharyngolaryngeal reflux or stressful situations. It can sometimes be confused with an acute asthma attack. The gold standard investigation is a videolaryngoscopy during ergometry which can confirm the diagnosis, allowing appropriate treatment. The aim of this article is to describe the pathophysiology of ILO and to discuss paraclinical examinations and treatment options.