SEE-EILO
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Self-recorded Evaluation of Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction
IRAS ID
361787
Contact name
James Hull
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Breathlessness during exercise is a common problem. One cause is a condition called Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO), where the voice box narrows during physical activity, making it difficult to breathe. Diagnosing EILO currently requires a specialised test in hospital, called Continuous Laryngoscopy during Exercise (CLE), where a camera is used to look at the voice box while the patient exercises on a treadmill or bike.
This research aims to find out if a simpler, more convenient method can help doctors in the diagnosis of EILO. We want to assess whether a short video, recorded by patients on their own smartphone while they are experiencing symptoms, can provide useful information.
Adult patients who have been referred to the Royal Brompton Hospital for breathing problems during exercise may be invited to participate. If they agree, they will be asked to record a 30-second 'selfie video' focusing on their neck and shoulders, and capturing their breathing sounds. This should be done during their usual physical activity when their symptoms typically occur. Participants are specifically instructed not to perform any exercise beyond their normal routine.
The research team will compare the findings from these self-recorded videos with the results from the standard CLE hospital test. While there is no direct benefit to participants, this study could help make the diagnostic process for EILO easier and more accessible for patients in the future.
REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
25/NI/0166
Date of REC Opinion
12 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion