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.  

[Moe1948]

I have these symptoms too,,Started when I got the flu,dr. said I had bronchitis,,then was treated for asma, after going to Dr and ER.got to see an ENM Dr.said its silent reflux...put me on prilosec 2x a day,,then once a day,,now I take one whaen I think I need one although I do have some coughing spell occassionally I still have a bout of choking or loosing my breath..I wish there was a complete cure ! Good luck out there everyone !

[Tazzsingh]

Walking Pneumonia is usually  easily Treatable condition and it takes 3-4weeks to get better.

[Tazzsingh]

Mechanism of how this Spasmodic episode causes Vasovagal Syncope attack in patients.
At the time of Maximal Exhaltion point - the Pressure generated in the neck causes compression of Carotid Sheath which carries Important Blood Vessels to and from the Brain and Nerve Chain carrying signals about the Control of Blood Pressure and the Heart Rate.
Compression of Venou Supply leads to Reddening of the Face and Swelling.
The nerves detect a cut-off of blood supply to brain leading to near fainting/syncopal episode.

[lisam03]

Hi there,  

There are so many posts regarding both of the sets of symptoms but I want to know more from you as your symptoms are closest to mine. Your post is from 2009 so I hope you even get this... Did you find something that works for to stop the constricting feeling? I do not have acid reflux that I know of or at least as you said, I have no symptoms. I am also not able to talk above a whisper for about a min after my coughing fits. I was diagnosed with walking pnemonia and bronchitus which was untreated for approx 3 weeks. It scares me to think that I have done some damage to my lungs of bronchial tubes from prolonged coughing.
Let me know what your outcome was please and how long it took for this to hopefully pass.
Thanks

[callieis1]

I am having the same problem, it started after having a severe case of Bronchitis. It has been 2 months and I have seen my doctor several times, he had me on 2 rounds for steroids, cough syrup with codein, and a inhaler but I still have the fits of coughing just like you describe. I am beginning to worry something is really wrong with me. If anyone has answers be post. Thanks!!!

[LRPierce]

I have this too... but it comes and goes. Usually it is bad just after a cold or if my allergies are being bad.  This might sound easy but it works for me.

I tell myself that many many people have this same problem.  And as far as I know (and I have done a lot of research) no one has ever died from this.  It is upsetting but you have to tell yourself that you will go through this ordeal and it will be ok.  

When this starts happening I try to deep breathe and relax AND  I take a large glass of water with LOTS of ice and i start sipping it down.  I find that if I drink something ice cold it stops the tickle somewhat.  

It almost feels like whopping cough doesn't it?  Just know you are not alone.  It is very annoying and frightening but it will not kill you.  BREATHE, RELAX and DRINK.

Hope this helps...  I have NOTHING out there that will really take this problem away.  And sometimes it just rears its ugly head for no apparent reason.

Take care and remember,
YOUR NOT ALONE.
Belle