Laryngospasm is a sudden, involuntary contraction of the muscles in the voice box or larynx. It can cause difficulty breathing and even a feeling of choking. In this article, we will explore what laryngospasm is, its causes, symptoms, how it’s diagnosed, and the available treatments.
Laryngospasm is when the muscles in the throat suddenly tighten, making it hard to breathe, speak, or swallow.
Types:
There are two main types of laryngospasm:
- Adductor laryngospasm: This occurs when the vocal cords close tightly, blocking the flow of air.
- Abductor laryngospasm: Here, the vocal cords open suddenly, causing difficulty in breathing.
Causes:
Laryngospasm can occur due to various reasons, including:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Allergic reactions
- Irritants like smoke or pollutants
- Respiratory infections such as cold or flu
- Stress or anxiety
- Postoperative complications
- Overuse of vocal cords (e.g., from shouting or singing)
- Exposure to cold air
- Certain medications
- Presence of a foreign body in the airway
- Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease
- Laryngeal trauma or injury
- Acid reflux
- Sleep apnea
- Asthma
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Intense physical activity
- Certain medical procedures involving the throat or larynx
- Inhaling irritants or allergens.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of laryngospasm may include:
- Sudden difficulty breathing
- Feeling of choking or tightness in the throat
- Inability to speak or make sounds
- Stridor (high-pitched sound when breathing in)
- Coughing or wheezing
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Anxiety or panic
- Bluish skin or lips (in severe cases)
- Gasping for breath
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Feeling of something stuck in the throat
- Hoarseness or changes in voice
- Throat tightness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Feeling of suffocation
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Irritation or scratchiness in the throat
- Loss of consciousness (rare).
Diagnostic Tests:
Diagnosing laryngospasm typically involves:
- Medical History: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any triggers or risk factors.
- Physical Examination: This includes checking your throat, listening to your breathing, and assessing any signs of respiratory distress.
- Laryngoscopy: A procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera (laryngoscope) is inserted through the nose or mouth to examine the throat and vocal cords.
- Bronchoscopy: If laryngospasm is suspected to be related to the lower airways, a bronchoscope may be used to examine the trachea and bronchi.
- X-rays: Chest X-rays may be done to rule out other respiratory conditions.
- Allergy Testing: If allergies are suspected triggers, allergy tests may be conducted.
- pH Monitoring: In cases of suspected GERD, pH monitoring may be performed to measure acid levels in the esophagus.
- Pulmonary Function Tests: These tests measure lung function and can help assess respiratory health.
- Sleep Studies: If sleep apnea is suspected, a sleep study (polysomnography) may be recommended.
- Blood Tests: These may be done to check for infections, allergies, or other underlying conditions.
Treatments
(Non-Pharmacological):
Managing laryngospasm without medications involves:
- Stay Calm: Panic can worsen laryngospasm, so try to stay calm and focused.
- Breathe Slowly: Take slow, deep breaths through your nose if possible. This can help relax the muscles in the throat.
- Lean Forward: Leaning forward slightly can open up the airway and make breathing easier.
- Cough: If you can, try to cough gently to clear the airway.
- Gargle with Warm Water: Gargling with warm water may help relax the throat muscles.
- Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can soothe the throat and reduce irritation.
- Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid triggers such as smoke, allergens, or irritants that can induce laryngospasm.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep the throat moist and prevent irritation.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety, which may trigger laryngospasm.
- Speech Therapy: In cases of frequent laryngospasm related to vocal cord misuse or overuse, speech therapy may be beneficial.
Drugs:
Medications that may be prescribed for laryngospasm include:
- Antacids: To reduce stomach acid and alleviate GERD symptoms.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): To inhibit acid production in the stomach.
- H2 Receptor Antagonists: To decrease acid production and relieve symptoms of GERD.
- Bronchodilators: To open up the airways and improve breathing.
- Corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation in the airways.
- Antihistamines: To manage allergic reactions.
- Anxiolytics: To reduce anxiety and stress, which can trigger laryngospasm.
- Muscle Relaxants: To relax the muscles in the throat and alleviate spasms.
- Anti-reflux Medications: To prevent acid reflux and reduce the risk of laryngospasm.
- Antibiotics: If laryngospasm is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.
Surgeries:
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat underlying conditions contributing to laryngospasm, such as:
- Laparoscopic Fundoplication: A minimally invasive surgery to treat severe GERD by strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter.
- Vocal Cord Surgery: Procedures to repair or remove abnormalities in the vocal cords that may contribute to laryngospasm.
- Tracheostomy: In rare cases of severe laryngospasm that cannot be managed with other treatments, a tracheostomy may be performed to create a temporary or permanent opening in the trachea to bypass the blocked airway.
Prevention:
To prevent laryngospasm, consider the following:
- Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid triggers such as smoking, allergens, or irritants.
- Manage GERD: If you have GERD, follow your doctor’s recommendations for managing symptoms and reducing acid reflux.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep the throat moist and prevent irritation.
- Practice Good Vocal Hygiene: Avoid shouting or straining your voice, and stay hydrated if you use your voice frequently.
- Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress and anxiety, which can trigger laryngospasm.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking can irritate the throat and increase the risk of laryngospasm. Consider quitting smoking to improve your respiratory health.
- Seek Prompt Treatment: If you experience frequent or severe laryngospasm, seek medical attention to identify and address underlying causes.
When to See a Doctor:
You should see a doctor if:
- You experience frequent or severe laryngospasm episodes.
- Laryngospasm interferes with your ability to breathe, speak, or swallow.
- You have underlying conditions such as GERD or allergies that may contribute to laryngospasm.
- Laryngospasm is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or loss of consciousness.
- Home remedies and self-care measures are not effective in relieving laryngospasm.
Conclusion:
Laryngospasm can be a frightening experience, but with proper understanding and management, it can be effectively controlled. By identifying triggers, managing underlying conditions, and practicing good vocal and respiratory hygiene, you can reduce the frequency and severity of laryngospasm episodes. If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention for proper evaluation and treatment.
Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.