throat closing up

Question

I have had this problem over 6 weeks now and I am on my 4th specialist since no one can figure it out yet. The prevalent theory is that it is caused by acid reflux from my Hiatal hernia. I wake up coughing and my throat actually closes. I gasp for breath it opens and then I start to breath. I lose my voice when this happens momentarily. This also happens from time to time during the day set off by a laugh or just eating a snack. They are planning on operating on the hernia but I can't see that fixing the problem as I feel a tickling in the back of my throat. That isn't my stomach. I als have sleep apnea. I have no idea how that effects it.

This discussion is related to throat closing up.

another_curious_victim · Answer

I forgot to mention that I also had a throat strobe done and they found that I had acid coming up high into my throat, so they figured that the laryngospasms were also being triggered by acid.  I've been taking magnesium for an unrelated problem and have noticed that I have much less sensation of acid reflux.

another_curious_victim · Answer

I had the same problem a few years ago.  It happened on and off for several years, sometimes when eating or taking a drink of water, other times when brushing teeth, and other times when I was doing absolutely nothing.  You're probably having laryngospasms.  They are very scary, but my doctor said they aren't life-threatening.  If this is your problem and your throat actually stayed closed long enough to pass out, supposedly the muscle will release and open back up...unlike in an asthma type of throat closure.  I don't know if this relates to you, but it did relax me to know that the problem had a name and I've learned to breathe deeply through my NOSE when this happens and try not to panic.

KMathurMD · Answer

Hi 
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Actually a tickling at the back of the throat (acid throwing up and then trickling down), throat closing up, gasping and all opening up again can be due to reflux. You raise the head end of bed while sleeping and see if it helps with early morning choking. 
The other possibility is gelastic seizures. These are seizure triggered by laughing and include fainting, shaking, stony appearance, head falling back, proper seizures etc. You need to consult a neurologist regarding this.  
Dehydration, deficiency of calcium and magnesium, irritable bowel can also cause a gag spasm. Multiple sclerosis is also a possibility. 
Please discuss these possibilities with your doctor. Take care!