Let's celebrate World Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO) Day - 17th June 2026
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This highlight shines a light on a condition that remains widely misunderstood yet profoundly impacts patients’ lives. Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction—often mistaken for asthma—occurs when the vocal cords narrow inappropriately during breathing, triggering sudden breathlessness, throat tightness, cough, or noisy inhalation. Because symptoms can mimic asthma so closely, many patients are treated for the wrong condition for years, leading to unnecessary medications and ongoing distress. Effective management focuses on specialist assessment, accurate diagnosis, and laryngeal control therapy delivered by speech and language therapists, alongside education and reassurance.
Nurses can play a vital role in recognising red flags, supporting differential diagnosis, and empowering patients with self‑management skills.
As a specialist airways nurse caring for people with ILO, I see firsthand how transformative the right diagnosis and support can be. That’s why raising awareness across the respiratory community is essential—so more patients receive timely, compassionate, and effective care.
Rachel Daly, Chair of ARNS Respiratory Disease sub committee