Are Athletic Coaches Aware of Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction in Children and Adolescents?

Onset of pediatric exercise induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) often occurs in athletic contexts. This study investigated athletic coach awareness of EILO in children and adolescents. Strategies employed by coaches when working with athletes with EILO and exercise induced dyspnea (EID) of unknown etiology were also examined.

EILO awareness was assessed using an anonymous electronic survey distributed to three types of athletic coaches: sport coaches, dance instructors, and physical education teachers. Survey distribution occurred via social media, Reddit, and sport coach/dance instructor association email listservs.

Three-hundred and two athletic coaches responded to the survey (mean age = 43.4 years). Overall, only 22.5% (N = 68) of survey respondents indicated familiarity with EILO. Twelve percent (N = 38) of coaches reported that they had worked directly with an athlete diagnosed with EILO. Neither sport coached, respondent age, nor years of experience predicted which coaches were familiar with EILO. Fifty-eight percent (N = 176) of athletic coaches indicated that they worked with athletes with EID of unknown etiology "often." Coaches were significantly more confident working with athletes with EID as compared to EILO (p = 0.021). Coaches reported that working with athletes with dyspnea was common, however, athletes rarely disclosed breathing symptom etiology.

Less that one fourth of athletic coaches reported any awareness of EILO. Coaches overwhelmingly indicated that better communication with athletes and increased knowledge of EILO would allow them to coach athletes more effectively. Future work should determine whether coordinating EILO and EID treatment with athletic coaches can improve treatment outcomes.