Have you ever experienced a situation where you suddenly find it difficult to breathe, feel like your throat is blocked, and can't even speak? It can feel like someone is squeezing your throat. This is a truly terrifying experience. Today we are going to talk about something that can happen at a time like this, and that is a condition called `(Laryngospasm)` .
What is ``Laryngospasm''?
Simply put, a ``laryngospasm'' is when your vocal cords – the two delicate tissues in your throat that help us speak and sing – suddenly tighten in an uncontrollable way. It's like a sudden spasm of your arm or leg. When your vocal cords tighten, your airway is temporarily blocked . This makes it difficult to breathe and speak. Although it can be scary, it usually lasts less than a minute . And, while it can be scary, it usually doesn't cause any serious harm.
What is the difference between `(Laryngospasm)` and `(Bronchospasm)`?
Now you may be wondering what the difference is between `(Laryngospasm)` and `(Bronchospasm)`. `(Laryngospasm)` affects your vocal cords, that is, the tissues inside your larynx. But `(Bronchospasm)` causes your bronchial tubes (`bronchi`) – the tubes that carry air from your windpipe to your lungs – to tighten. In both cases, you suddenly have a frightening spasm , and it can be temporarily difficult to breathe and speak.
How common is `(Laryngospasm)`?
This condition called `(Laryngospasm)` is actually quite rare . That means it doesn't happen to everyone. But for some people it can happen again and again (recurring). If this happens to you, you should definitely see a doctor . Then he or she can find out what's causing it.
What are the symptoms of `(Laryngospasm)`?
A person with `(Laryngospasm)` cannot speak or breathe . Many people describe it as a feeling of choking or suffocation . This is because your vocal cords become very tight and closed during a `(Laryngospasm)`. As the vocal cords gradually relax and open, you may hear a high-pitched, high-pitched sound (which we call `(Stridor)`) . This may happen several times in a row. But most of the time, it only happens once, within a minute. Although this is usually not serious or life-threatening, it is incredibly scary.
What are the causes of `(Laryngospasm)`?
Now let's see what are the possible causes of `(Laryngospasm)`. Sometimes this can happen without any obvious reason. But most of the time it comes as a symptom of another medical condition.
- Asthma: People with asthma may experience this ``Laryngospasm'', especially when exposed to air pollution or when breathing heavily after exercise.
- GERD `(Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)`: We also call this `(Chronic Acid Reflux)`. This is when the acid in the stomach or undigested food comes back up the esophagus (`Esophagus`). Sometimes this acid or food particles can go into your larynx (`Laryngospasm`) and cause a `(Laryngospasm)`. Imagine, if we eat spicy food and get heartburn, what if that acid gets into our throat.
- Stress or Anxiety Disorders: Yes, don't be surprised. This can also be caused by things like stress, fear, and anxiety. That is, your body's physical response to a strong emotion you are feeling.
- Sleep-related Laryngospasm: Some people experience this while sleeping. They suddenly wake up with a suffocating sensation. Most of the time, this is due to a weakness in the functioning of the vocal cords, or, as mentioned earlier, acid reflux.
- Anesthesia: This can also be caused by the general anesthesia used in some surgeries. This is because the vocal cords are stimulated during anesthesia or after extubation. This type of laryngospasm is most common in young children, people who have had surgery on the larynx or pharynx, and people with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
- Laryngeal Hypersensitivity or Irritable Larynx Syndrome: This is when the mucous membrane in your upper airway becomes very sensitive. Anything that stimulates it – cold air, loud talking, coughing, certain foods – can cause a laryngospasm.
Can `(Laryngospasm)` be fatal?
Laryngospasm caused by anesthesia can be fatal if not treated properly. But don't worry, if it happens after surgery, the medical team knows what to do to relax the vocal cords and reduce symptoms.
Laryngospasm caused by other causes – such as asthma, stress, hypersensitivity – is usually not dangerous or life-threatening . But if you experience it frequently, you should definitely see a doctor .
How do you know if you have `(Laryngospasm)`?
A ``Laryngospasm'' can come on suddenly, without warning , and last for about a minute. Symptoms may come and go, or they may come and go. For example, you may be able to breathe out or cough, but it's hard to breathe in . If you think you may have a ``Laryngospasm'', talk to a doctor.
What tests are used to diagnose `(Laryngospasm)`?
Most of the time, your doctor can tell if you have laryngospasm based on your symptoms and medical history. To be sure, he or she may use a device called a laryngeal endoscope to look into your vocal cords.
How is `(Laryngospasm)` treated?
The treatment for `(Laryngospasm)` depends on the underlying cause . For example, if `(Laryngospasm)` is caused by `(GERD),` treating that acid problem may help reduce the occurrence of `(Laryngospasm)`. If it is caused by stress, medications given for that can help reduce the spasm.
But the problem is, a `(Laryngospasm)` comes on very quickly. So most of the time, the treatment is to find ways to stay calm during that time. If you or someone you are with has a `(Laryngospasm)`, here are some things you can do:
- Don't panic or hold your breath. Staying calm will help you relax during a `(Laryngospasm)`.
- Drink plenty of water. This will help flush out any irritants that may have settled in your vocal cords.
- Press down on the back of your earlobes. The soft spot behind your earlobes, just above your chin, is called the ``Laryngospasm Notch.'' Pressing down and in on this spot is said to help relax your vocal cords.
How to breathe during `(Laryngospasm)`?
In addition to the above, there are several breathing exercises that can help you when you have a ``laryngospasm''. Here are two of them:
- Place a straw in your mouth and close your lips tightly around it. Breathe in and out only through the straw. Don't pause between inhaling and exhaling. Don't breathe through your nose. The goal here is to slow your breathing and allow your vocal cords to relax.
- Breathe in slowly through your nose. Then, purse your lips (like blowing out a candle) and breathe out. Hold your breath for about five seconds, then repeat this until the ``laryngospasm'' stops.
Can Laryngospasm be prevented?
Because a ``laryngospasm'' comes on suddenly and without warning, there's really no surefire way to prevent it. However, if you've had ``laryngospasm'' in the past, your doctor can help you find out what caused it and find ways to reduce your risk.
What to expect if you have ``Laryngospasm''?
Laryngospasm is a very scary experience, whether you've had it before or not. Even if you feel like you can't breathe, remember that it will go away on its own after a while . If you have any of the conditions we've discussed above, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of getting a laryngospasm.
How long has a `(Laryngospasm)` been going on?
Most of the time, a ``Laryngospasm'' lasts about a minute , but it may feel like it lasts longer.
When should you see a doctor?
If you have had a `(Laryngospasm)`, make an appointment with a doctor . He or she can run tests and see if there are any ways to prevent `(Laryngospasm)` in the future.
When should you go to the emergency room?
If your symptoms do not improve despite breathing exercises and pressing the 'Laryngospasm Notch', you should immediately call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room .
Finally, what to remember (Take-Home Message)
Laryngospasm is not usually life-threatening, but it can be a very frightening experience. Learning breathing techniques can help you stay calm during such a situation. If you have frequent laryngospasms, see a doctor who specializes in the larynx (laryngology specialist - a subspecialty of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) department) . He or she can determine the cause of your laryngospasm and develop a treatment plan.
` Laryngospasm, laryngospasm, shortness of breath, vocal cords, throat congestion, GERD, asthma
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