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What Is The Cause And Treatment For Laryngospasm?
Question: I am 61 yrs.old and in good health. I do not have sleep apnea. My problem is that, on occasion, I will cough, or swallow liquids, and that seemingly innocuous event triggers a complete loss of my ability to inhale. It is as though my windpipe has been totally blocked. I can't breathe. This condition can last for up to 30 seconds, and there is a gradual, albeit slow return to normal breathing. There is no specific intake that triggers this. It can be drinking water, coffee or a soft drink. Rarely, food ingestion and a cough can set this condition off. As an example, it happened about a year ago in the shower when I rinsed my face and water entered my nostrils, triggering the shutdown, which lasted more than 30 seconds. I actually thought that I was suffocating at that particular moment.
I have been tested for allergies, with none detected.
What could be the cause of this? I don't believe it to be EoE or GERD. I am at a loss as to cause and where to turn. XXXXXXX
I have been tested for allergies, with none detected.
What could be the cause of this? I don't believe it to be EoE or GERD. I am at a loss as to cause and where to turn. XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Laryngospasm
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thank you for using Healthcare Magic. I suspect what you are experiencing is laryngospasm. This is a muscle spasm of the vocal cords which basically causes exactly what you describe as your windpipe being totally blocked. When the cords spasm, this is in essence what happens.
Laryngospasm can be related to GERD as the acid reflux can get into upper airways and cause irritation of them, including the larynx/vocal cords. Reflux at night can cause a sudden laryngospasm that awakens you and is quite frightening. What probably happened in the shower was the water entered your nostrils and some went down into your windpipe. This triggered the spasm. A cough could trigger it as well.
Typically the ability to inhale is more compromised than exhaling. The condition usually lasts no longer than a minute. Remain calm and don't try gasping for breath. It should pass.
Laryngospasm may be a sign of silent GERD, so even if you are not experiencing obvious symptoms, it still may be present. In that case, antacids or prescription drugs for GERD may be helpful in reducing the irritation that causes the spasm.
Seeing an ENT specialist may not be a bad idea. Ask specifically about laryngospasm. S/he can do laryngoscopy and take a direct look at your larynx. Inflammation from GERD or other causes may be then identified and can be specifically treated.
Hope this answers your query. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.
Laryngospasm
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thank you for using Healthcare Magic. I suspect what you are experiencing is laryngospasm. This is a muscle spasm of the vocal cords which basically causes exactly what you describe as your windpipe being totally blocked. When the cords spasm, this is in essence what happens.
Laryngospasm can be related to GERD as the acid reflux can get into upper airways and cause irritation of them, including the larynx/vocal cords. Reflux at night can cause a sudden laryngospasm that awakens you and is quite frightening. What probably happened in the shower was the water entered your nostrils and some went down into your windpipe. This triggered the spasm. A cough could trigger it as well.
Typically the ability to inhale is more compromised than exhaling. The condition usually lasts no longer than a minute. Remain calm and don't try gasping for breath. It should pass.
Laryngospasm may be a sign of silent GERD, so even if you are not experiencing obvious symptoms, it still may be present. In that case, antacids or prescription drugs for GERD may be helpful in reducing the irritation that causes the spasm.
Seeing an ENT specialist may not be a bad idea. Ask specifically about laryngospasm. S/he can do laryngoscopy and take a direct look at your larynx. Inflammation from GERD or other causes may be then identified and can be specifically treated.
Hope this answers your query. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you, Dr. Steinberg. Your reply is most helpful and insightful. It is calming too. May I build on your advice? If I were to experience a severe spasm of this nature that lasted longer than I think my consciousness could take, it is likely that I would faint as a result of loss of oxygen and that would cause the spasm to end (and I begin breathing normally) or, worst scenario, my fainting would not cause an end to the spasm and I might be in some difficulty? (I worry about having a spasm when I am alone)
You can be sure I will schedule the visit with the ENT today!
You can be sure I will schedule the visit with the ENT today!
Brief Answer:
Should end
Detailed Answer:
Generally the spasms don't last more than 60 seconds, which is tolerable. Theoretically, if they lasted a couple of minutes or longer, oxygen loss would cause a fainting episode and the spasm should end. Ask the ENT when you see her/him about it and about what other things you can do if you should have a spasm. Hope this helps.
Should end
Detailed Answer:
Generally the spasms don't last more than 60 seconds, which is tolerable. Theoretically, if they lasted a couple of minutes or longer, oxygen loss would cause a fainting episode and the spasm should end. Ask the ENT when you see her/him about it and about what other things you can do if you should have a spasm. Hope this helps.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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