Age differences in inducible laryngeal obstruction in adult populations

Whereas differences in inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) presentation on the basis of age have been observed within pediatric populations, age-based differences in adult populations are lacking.

To describe differences in ILO on the basis of age in adults.

Patients aged older than 16 years with confirmed ILO (vocal cord adduction > 50% during inspiration) by means of provocation-challenge rhinolaryngoscopy by their treating allergist were included. An investigator-designed questionnaire was administered using Research Electronic Data Capture with corresponding medical data collection. χ² tests, Student's t tests, analysis of variance, Cochran-Armitage test for trend, and Fisher's exact test were used.

The median age of the 67 patients was 50 years. P values less than .05 were considered significant. Those aged younger than 50 years (n = 31; mean age 35.6 years) reported more symptoms vs age 50 years and older (n = 36; mean age 61.8 years), including shortness of breath at rest and exertion (84% vs 39%, 94% vs 72%), throat tightness (81% vs 50%), chest tightness (81% vs 47%), and difficulty getting air in (81% vs 56%). Those aged younger than 50 years had an increased history of anxiety (68% vs 33%), asthma (55% vs 31%), positive methacholine challenge (52% vs 22%), increasing triggers with time (87% vs 43%), higher Pittsburgh Vocal Cord Dysfunction Index Scores (6.9 vs 5.5), and inspiratory curve flattening (48% vs 24%). Additional age-based subdivisions confirmed significant trends with the lowest reported ILO characteristics and symptoms in those aged 65 years and older.

A high index of suspicion for ILO should be maintained in older adults since they may report less typical ILO symptoms and anxiety associations that prompt ILO evaluation.