No. You can book directly without a referral, although referrals from GPs, ENT specialists, respiratory physicians and other health professionals are welcome.

Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO)—which encompasses conditions like Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) and Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion (PVFM)—involves the inappropriate, temporary closing of the vocal folds when you try to breathe in.Unlike asthma, which affects the lower airways in the lungs, ILO occurs at the level of the throat (larynx). It can create a sudden, distressing sensation of throat tightness, breathlessness, or 'air hunger.' Therapy focuses on understanding your specific triggers, reducing laryngeal hypersensitivity, and training your throat muscles to remain open and relaxed during breathing.

Yes. Chronic cough and persistent throat clearing are frequently driven by an 'irritable larynx'—where the nerve pathways in the throat have become hypersensitive to everyday triggers like temperature changes, talking, or deep breathing. Speech pathology management provides evidence-based behavioural strategies to help desensitise the upper airway. We work together to identify your triggers, implement practical cough-suppression techniques, and reduce the localised irritation, helping you break the cycle of chronic coughing and regain control.

You are welcome to book an initial consultation with us first. During this session, we can conduct a thorough clinical screen, begin tracking your symptom patterns, and implement gentle, conservative baseline strategies. Because definitive structural diagnoses require a visual examination of the vocal folds, we will discuss whether an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist assessment is recommended and help you navigate that referral pathway if needed.

A formal referral is not required to begin therapy with us, but a multidisciplinary approach is often ideal for upper airway conditions. Because symptoms of ILO, chronic cough, and vocal cord dysfunction can overlap with medical conditions like asthma or acid reflux, having an assessment by an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist or a respiratory physician is highly recommended.We can begin your assessment and initial management strategies immediately, and we will gladly collaborate with your current medical team or help guide you through the process of navigating medical pathways if a specialist review is needed.