Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO) and Asthma Differences

Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO) and Asthma Differences

Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO) and asthma are 2 different breathing problems. They can sometimes look and feel similar. Learn more about how these breathing problems are different.
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Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO) and asthma are 2 different breathing problems.  They can sometimes look and feel similar.  Sometimes a child may think they have asthma, but their symptoms are caused by ILO. A child can have both asthma and ILO at the same time.

What is ILO?

ILO (used to be called Vocal Cord Dysfunction) is a problem that starts in the larynx (throat/voice box), not in the lungs. The larynx tightens or narrows when something triggers it. The narrowing makes it hard for air to move in and sometimes out.  This may make you feel like it is hard to breathe.

1372 - ILO

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a problem that affects the lungs. The airways inside the lungs become swollen.  The airways make more mucus. The muscles around these airways squeeze tight.  This can make it hard to breathe.

1372 - Asthma

Use This Chart To Learn How the Symptoms of ILO and Asthma Are Not the Same.

1372 - Chart Symptoms

© 2025 The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Used and adapted under license by Children’s Wisconsin. This information is for general use only. For specific medical advice or questions, consult your health care professional.

ALERT

Call your child’s provider, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.

Draft Number: 1372Revision Date: August 11, 2026

This content was created to help you care for your child and/or family member. It does not take the place of medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.