Breathing Treatment + Carbon Dioxide for Vocal Cord Dysfunction

(EILO Trial)

This trial aims to understand how breathing treatments and carbon dioxide affect individuals with vocal cord dysfunction during exercise. It seeks to discover new methods for diagnosing and managing exercise-induced breathing problems. Participants will breathe either regular air or a special gas mix, try various breathing exercises, and undergo tests such as running, treadmill exercises, and an MRI scan of the vocal tract. The trial seeks physically active individuals diagnosed with exercise-induced breathing issues, experiencing difficulty breathing that worsens during exercise but improves shortly afterward. As an Early Phase 1 trial, this research focuses on understanding the treatment's effects in people, offering participants a chance to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in managing exercise-induced breathing issues.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are using beta blockers or have uncontrolled hypertension, you may not be eligible to participate.

Previous studies have shown that breathing exercises improve breathing and voice quality. Some studies report that participants experience up to a 72.5% improvement in breathing, suggesting these exercises are generally well-tolerated and beneficial for those with vocal cord issues.

Research on carbon dioxide has primarily focused on its use in laser treatments, which differs from inhalation. Some reports mention risks like CO2 narcosis—confusion or unconsciousness due to CO2 build-up—when breathing fails. However, these effects are rare and usually linked to specific medical conditions.

Researchers are excited about this trial for vocal cord dysfunction because it explores innovative techniques that diverge from typical treatments like speech therapy and medications. This trial investigates the use of hypercapnic gas (10% carbon dioxide) which could offer a new way to manage the condition by adjusting breathing responses. Additionally, the study incorporates specific breathing exercises, which might provide a non-invasive and drug-free option to alleviate symptoms. These approaches could lead to quicker, more effective symptom relief compared to traditional methods.

Studies have shown that breathing exercises can help treat vocal cord dysfunction, with about 72.5% of patients reporting improved breathing after using these techniques. This trial will assign participants to different breathing conditions, including rest breathing, rapid breathing, quick nasal sniff, and pursed lip breathing, to evaluate their effectiveness.