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Is Purple Discoloration On Face While Laughing And Coughing Normal?
Question: My son suffered something last night like a laryngo spasm. He was laughing - all of a sudden could not breathe. No food, no water, just turned purple. I started to rush over for CPR, but he gasped and started breathing again, coughing forcefully. Scared the crap out of him and me. Seemed fine after a few minutes. Should he be seen by a doctor? He is a smoker.
Brief Answer:
A major problem is unlikely but he should get a check-up.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Yes, he should be examined by a doctor. Sudden choking, gasping and coughing while laughing is common but to turn purple (desaturation) is not expected.
2. It is probably not anything major but there is no harm in a check-up. An upper airway examination, chest auscultation, videoaryngoscopy (VL'Scopy), a Chest X-ray and a lung function test is recommended.
3. Sudden aspiration (normal secretion, acid reflux, productive cough), foreign bodies (if he was eating or drinking) can cause laryngospasm. Get his calcium levels checked.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
A major problem is unlikely but he should get a check-up.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Yes, he should be examined by a doctor. Sudden choking, gasping and coughing while laughing is common but to turn purple (desaturation) is not expected.
2. It is probably not anything major but there is no harm in a check-up. An upper airway examination, chest auscultation, videoaryngoscopy (VL'Scopy), a Chest X-ray and a lung function test is recommended.
3. Sudden aspiration (normal secretion, acid reflux, productive cough), foreign bodies (if he was eating or drinking) can cause laryngospasm. Get his calcium levels checked.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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