Upper Airway/Irritable Larynx

Speech pathology treatment can be highly effective in managing upper airway disorders and symptoms caused by an irritable larynx. These conditions can feel frightening and are often mistaken for asthma or other respiratory issues, as breathing or coughing episodes may begin suddenly, often in response to a trigger such as strong odours, temperature changes, talking, eating, or exercise.

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At Swallow Science Melbourne, therapy focuses on reducing symptoms, restoring normal breathing patterns, and helping you regain confidence and control over your airway.

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'Irritable' Larynx?

The term irritable larynx refers to a heightened sensitivity of the voice box (larynx). When the larynx becomes overly reactive, its muscles can tighten suddenly - closing off or narrowing the airway. This can lead to distressing sensations such as:

• Sudden difficulty breathing in (inspiratory breathlessness)

• Throat tightness or choking sensation

• Coughing fits or persistent tickling in the throat

• Voice changes or loss of voice during episodes

• Panic or anxiety related to breathing

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Triggers vary from person to person, but may include perfumes, smoke, reflux, exercise, talking, laughter, or environmental irritants.

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Conditions We Treat

Therapy requires referral from an ENT specialist or respiratory physician with a confirmed diagnosis of one or more of the following:

• Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO)

• Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD)

• Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement (PVFM)

• Chronic Cough

• Irritable Larynx Syndrome

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We also support clients with overlapping diagnoses such as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) or post-viral airway hypersensitivity.

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What Speech Pathology Therapy Involves

Therapy is evidence-based and tailored to each person’s symptoms and triggers. It may include:

• Education about the upper airway, laryngeal anatomy, and the role of the vocal cords in breathing

• Breathing retraining to reduce upper airway tension and improve coordination between the larynx, diaphragm, and respiratory muscles

• Rescue breathing techniques for use during an acute episode

• Cough suppression and laryngeal desensitisation strategies

• Voice care to reduce irritation

• Trigger identification and management, including guidance on environmental and reflux control

• Relaxation and breathing efficiency techniques for speaking, exercising, and daily activities

Our goal is to reduce the frequency and severity of episodes, restoring normal patterns and sensations over time.