For individuals struggling with breathing pattern disorder, EILO, or asthma, this is a focused, clinical approach to restoring efficient, controlled breathing during exercise.

Specialized breathing care for exercise-induced breathlessness

Speech Therapy & Functional Breathing retraining for athletes

Are you an athlete struggling with breathlessness or having difficulty pushing your training to the next level due to a break-down in your breathing? As intensity increases, our breathing can become a limiting factor in our performance. If symptoms like throat or chest tightness, noisy breathing, or sudden air restriction appear during exercise, your performance can become unpredictable—regardless of your fitness level.

Functional Airway Lab was built for athletes with this experience. We specialize in identifying and treating exercise-induced breathing challenges, including breathing pattern disorder, exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO), and exercise-induced asthma by focusing on how your airway functions under pressure. Through targeted assessment and structured breathing retraining, we address the source of restriction—not just the symptoms. The result is more efficient breathing, improved tolerance to intensity, and athletes who can perform with consistency and confidence at the next level.

Welcome to FUnctional Airway Lab

When Dysfunction in breathing limits performance, We correct it.

Exercise should challenge your body—not your ability to breathe. If you experience any of the following during activity, it may indicate an underlying breathing issue such as exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction.

Shortness of breath that comes on quickly during high-intensity exercise
A feeling of tightness or restriction in the throat or upper chest
Noisy breathing (gasping, stridor, or high-pitched sounds)
Difficulty getting air in, rather than out
Symptoms that resolve quickly after stopping exercise
Limited response or no improvement with inhalers
Feeling like your breathing is the limiting factor—not your fitness
Needing to stop or slow down due to breathing discomfort

You’re not alone—and more importantly, this is treatable.
With the right evaluation and targeted breathing intervention, these symptoms can be effectively addressed to restore confidence and performance.

Do you recognize These Symptoms?

Conditions we work with

Athletes we support

reasons to Choose
Us

Vocal Cord Dysfunction/Exercise-
Induced Laryngeal Obstruction

Breathing Pattern Disorders

Exercise-Induced Asthma

Exercise-Induced Breathlessness

Middle School Athletes

High School Athletes

Collegiate Athletes

Endurance Athletes

Elite Athletes

Specialization in Airway Disorders

Individualized Breathing Programs

Performance-Focused Treatment

Clear, Objective Measurements

our approach to retraining your breathing

A more controlled airway, improved breathing efficiency, and the ability to perform at higher intensities without breathing limiting performance.

At Functional Airway Lab, breathing is not addressed with generic cues or one-size-fits-all exercises. Our process is structured, progressive, and grounded in how breathing performs under real athletic demand—especially in conditions like breathing pattern disorder, EILO, and exercise-induced asthma.

1

Clinical assessment

We begin with a detailed evaluation of breathing mechanics, symptom patterns, and airway behavior during exercise. This allows us to identify the specific triggers of breathing limitation.

2

Targeted intervention

Based on our clinical findings, we implement individualized strategies and exercises to improve airway control, reduce maladaptive patterns, and restore efficient breathing under load.

3

Skill development

Breathing is retrained in progressively more demanding conditions—moving from controlled environments to sport-specific intensity—so changes translate directly to performance.

4

We align breathing strategies with the athlete’s training schedule, ensuring consistency, carryover, and minimal disruption to performance routines.

Integration with Training

5

Measureable progression

Athletes track objective and subjective changes in symptoms, tolerance, and performance—building confidence as breathing becomes more reliable.

The Outcome?

1 / 3

Words cannot express the gratitude I have for Karie and the amazing work she has done with my daughter. My daughter had been diagnosed with exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO), and, as a national caliber runner, this was very distressing to deal with - her performances were being affected, and the stakes felt high with her dreams of running at a D1 program in college. We had already been to a speech pathologist, which had been helpful, but still left my daughter with many symptoms to deal with, especially during intense training sessions. The difference between the first speech pathologist and Karie was night and day. Karie is at the forefront of research and took a cutting-edge and innovative approach with my daughter. She is also a great educator and takes the time to explain the diagnosis and her methods, which made the process very approachable for my daughter. The results were remarkable! My daughter improved rapidly, ran all of her races with zero breathing issues, and had amazing performances to match! She is in control of her symptoms now and no longer fears hard workouts or races, knowing she has the tools she needs. I can't thank Karie enough - she helped my daughter bring back her joy and confidence in running and life as an athlete!

from A parent of an Eilo client

2 / 3

For a years I experienced shortness of breath while running. I was initially diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma, but my symptoms did not resolve with the use of my rescue inhaler. When I learned more about the symptoms of EILO, I realized this is likely what I was dealing with. After working with Karie for a few weeks, I saw a significant change in my symptoms. I was no longer straining to breathe during my workouts. I am so grateful for Karie's patience and guidance. She helped me to return to running with confidence and a renewed passion.

from a Collegiate Client

3 / 3

I've had an incredible experience working with Karie. Before starting, I didn't realize how my breathing was holding me back, especially while running. One of the biggest breakthroughs for me was re-establishing nasal breathing. At first, it felt challenging, but with consistent practice and Karie's coaching, it became more natural, and the impact on my performance was huge. My tempo runs feel smoother, more controlled, and overall much easier than before. Karie has a great way of explaining the techniques and making them practical to apply in real training situations. I've not only seen improvements in performance, but in how calm and efficient my breathing feels day-to-day. I highly recommend Functional Airway Lab to anyone looking to improve their endurance, breathing efficiency, and performance.

from an Adult Client

this is what our clients have to say

Let's do this

If breathing is limiting your performance, it’s time for a more targeted approach.

At Functional Airway Lab, we specialize in identifying and treating exercise-induced breathing challenges, including EILO, with a structured process. Start with a clinical evaluation to understand what’s driving your symptoms and how to address them effectively.

Contact us today to:
Schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation
Ask questions about your symptoms
Learn if Functional Airway Lab is the right fit for you or your athlete

You don’t have to keep pushing through unpredictable breathing.
With the right approach, breathing becomes more consistent—and performance moves forward. You deserve to feel unstoppable.

Take the First Step to better breathing

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