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Home / Equine Research Bank / Front Physiol / Exercise Induced Laryngeal Obstruction in Humans and Equines...
Frontiers in physiology2019; 10; 1333; doi: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01333

Exercise Induced Laryngeal Obstruction in Humans and Equines. A Comparative Review.

Abstract: Dynamic obstructions of the larynx are a set of disorders that occur during exercise in equines and humans. There are a number of similarities in presentation, diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment. Both equines and humans present with exercise intolerance secondary to dyspnea. During laryngoscopy at rest, the larynx appears to function normally. Abnormalities are only revealed during laryngoscopy at exercise, seemingly triggered by increased ventilatory demands, and quickly resolve after cessation of exercise. Lower airway disease (asthma being the most prevalent condition), cardiac disease and lack of fitness are the major differentials in both species. Laryngoscopic examination during exercise should be performed from rest to peak exertion to allow for a comprehensive diagnosis, including where the airway collapse begins, and thereafter how it progresses. Dynamic disorders with most visual similarity between humans and equines are: aryepiglottic fold collapse (both species); equine dynamic laryngeal collapse (DLC) relative to some forms of human combined supraglottic/glottic collapse; and epiglottic retroversion (both species). Quantitative grading techniques, such as airway pressure measurement, that have proven effective in veterinary research are currently being piloted in human studies. Conditions that appear visually similar are treated in comparable ways. The similarities of anatomy and certain types of dynamic collapse would suggest that the equine larynx provides a good model for human upper respiratory tract obstruction during exercise. Thus, close collaboration between veterinarians and medical personal may lead to further advancements in understanding pathophysiologic processes, and enhance the development of improved diagnostic tests and treatments that will benefit both species.
Copyright © 2019 Fretheim-Kelly, Halvorsen, Clemm, Roksund, Heimdal, Vollsæter, Fintl and Strand.
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Publication Date: 2019-10-30 PubMed ID: 31736771PubMed Central: PMC6831747DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01333Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article outlines similarities in exercise-induced laryngeal obstructions in both humans and horses. These shared traits include symptoms, diagnosis methods, and treatment, and the possibility of cross-beneficial research to improve diagnostic tests and treatments for both species is explored.

Understanding Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction

  • Laryngeal obstruction occurs during physical activities in both humans and horses, manifesting as exercise intolerance due to difficulty in breathing. Despite this, the larynx usually appears to be functioning normally when observed without the exertion of exercise.
  • These abnormalities are revealed during laryngoscopy at exercise, a diagnostic procedure in which the larynx is viewed during exertion. These abnormalities generally disappear after the cessation of exercise.
  • Significant factors that can cause or contribute to this issue include diseases of the lower airway such as asthma, cardiac diseases, and lack of fitness.

Diagnosis and Similarities between Species

  • Comprehensive diagnosis should involve a laryngoscopic examination conducted from rest to peak exertion. This allows for a detailed understanding of where and how the airway collapse begins and progresses.
  • Certain dynamic disorders displaying very similar visuals in both species include the collapse of the aryepiglottic fold, dynamic laryngeal collapse in horses relative to some forms of human supraglottic/glottic collapse, and involuntary movement or reversal of the epiglottis.
  • Grading techniques that measure airway pressure have proved useful in veterinary research and are being tested in human studies.

Treatment and Future Research

  • Conditions appearing visually similar are usually treated in similar ways in both species. The apparent anatomical similarities and the types of dynamic collapse suggest that studies of the equine larynx could provide valuable insight into human upper respiratory tract obstruction during exercise.
  • The research emphasizes the potential of collaboration between veterinarians and medical personnel for advancing our understanding of pathophysiological processes.
  • Such collaboration could also enhance the development of improved diagnostic tests and treatments which could be beneficial for both humans and horses suffering from exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction.

Cite This Article

APA
Fretheim-Kelly ZL, Halvorsen T, Clemm H, Roksund O, Heimdal JH, Vollsæter M, Fintl C, Strand E. (2019). Exercise Induced Laryngeal Obstruction in Humans and Equines. A Comparative Review. Front Physiol, 10, 1333. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2019.01333

Publication

Frontiers in physiology
ISSN: 1664-042X
NlmUniqueID: 101549006
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 10
Pages: 1333

Researcher Affiliations

Fretheim-Kelly, Zoe Louise
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway.
  • Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
Halvorsen, Thomas
  • Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
  • Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway.
Clemm, Hege
  • Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
Roksund, Ola
  • Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
  • Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway.
Heimdal, John-Helge
  • Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
  • Department of Oral Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
Vollsæter, Maria
  • Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
  • Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
Fintl, Constanze
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway.
Strand, Eric
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway.

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