violent coughing...is it laryngeal spasms?

[Deba22]

Hello. Yesterday my doctor suggested I might have Laryngeal Spasms, and while I wait 2 months for the Throat specialist to get my appointment, she suggested I look online.  But my symptoms don't seem to match all of yours...no voice problems or 'breathing' problems.  I just get these violent coughing attacks that literally feel and behave as if I inhaled a bread crumb, and my body suddenly and violently is trying to cough it up.  And just like when we are choking, I have a hard time catching my breath during these violent choking fits.   By the time I'm done 4-8 minutes later, I'm shaking, tears streaming down my face, and I've probably wet myself.  Its horrible!  Does this sound familiar to anyone?  Oh, and this happens at all hours of the day and night, and usually, its not when I'm eating.   Its frightening to wake up from a deep sleep choking like this. She suggested curbing any reflux I might be having, but I rarely ever have heartburn (but I'll try anything now!)  I do note that it happens more often when my respiratory system is weakened by a cold, or allergy season, or even a little cough.  I'm thinking she might be in the right ballpark, but not the right diagnosis.  Thanks for your help.  

[marilyna]

I had a cold about 2 months ago with a cough, when my cold went away, so did the cough, except the cough comes back sporadically and it can be very violent. It happen out of nowhere, sometimes when there's too much wind, or its too cold, when I walk too fast or run, before bed, and when I'm upset (anxiety)... haven't seen a dr. And now I'm not really looking fwd to it either if they're just gna tell me its acid reflux. Cuz I mean, what a Coincidence that it didn't occur until after that cold...

[coughingmyselfcrazy]

I wish I did! I have been researching everything about what could be causing it and there are so many that sound so much the same that it is hard to diffrentiate. I too have had this going on for the last 2 1/2 years. It sent me to the hospital three times. I went to a pulmonary Dr., found nothing wrong. I went to have an endoscopy done and they found nothing wrong. X-rays, CT Scans, EKG's and ultra sound test of the heart, nothing found on any of these. They said it was anxiety causing it and put me on Klonopin. Well most times when your throat and nose all of a sudden close up on you and you are coughing and gasping for air and wetting all over yourself and feeling like you are going to pass out and die, then I would assume there would be some anxiety! Wow... everything Dr's have now days are diagnosis for anxiety and depression. They also put me on Celexa.... Didn't need.. and stopped taking it. I only take Klonopin when I am having a little trouble with the shortness of breath, because it does calm me, but the shortness of breath and coughing continue... I have been tested for asthma too...I was told no on that. I also sneeze alot, especially at night, but my nose does not stop up. I will then every now and then smell things that other people do not smell... I wonder what is up with that? My breath will also become pretty bad sometimes, but not all the time. It is just crazy!!! My ears will itch and sometimes ache, but my throat does not itch or have a tickle feeling. I am tired of coughing and doing so much laundry!  Having spasms in my throat and stomach and back too. I think it is from all the harsh coughing and gagging. I hate this and I feel sorry for all of you and myself! If anyone knows what it could be please post an answer... Thanks

[susieq1133]

I am having the same problem. Antibiotics won't work, but it will keep from spreading it to others. Cough syrups in general don't work, but take SCOTTUSSIN- a cough syrup for diabetics, that helps a  little bit. Need to stay away from milk, sugar and caffeine, those trigger the cough. And take plum flower supplement, also know as BAN XIA HOU PO WAN, it's hard to find, but it definitely helps. The virus needs to go through it's course, so you can't cure it unless you catch it before the choking starts, and doctors never do. But these things help with the choking a little bit, so it's easier to go through it. I hope this helps!

[tooky_tooky]

It sounds like diabetic symptoms, mixed with Thyroid and also COPD.  Its remnant from a cold, but I have thick sinus drainage and phlem building up in my bronchial tubes...hence the cough until I almost pass out. The weakened state of your neck and throat area and a possible low immune system are no fun...I feel your misery. I have had the cough now for a week...It reminds me of when I had Bronchitus back in my twenties. I know there is phlem that does come up with the cough I have. I am a smoker, and also have half a thyroid due to nodules they found..they removed half my thryroid with them nine yrs ago. The sweats can be from thyroid problems (in ablility to regulate body temps), or from being a diabetic. also, have a blood sugar test done..If you smoke..get something to help you quit...and go see a ENT or a thyroid specialist. I know there is an answer for you, and all of us. Where is the real Dr. House?

[kaychi99]

Thank Goodness I'm Not The Only One. I've had this weird cough going on for about 3weeks now and it seems as if it gets worse. The doctors diagnosed me with bronchitis and asthma. Now I've come to the point where I began to vomit every-time I cough or become full after a meal. They Always come during anytime of the day especially at night and I feel like I am dying because I can't catch my breath. It's very scary. Thank God WE'RE still alive. Prayers To Him-Hallelujah

[lois007]

I have the same thing. For years , I get these violent coughing and choking attacks. Myhusbandis a physician . I have had every test nobody can figure it out