laryngeal spasm

[mokita]

what causes laryngeal spasm and is there any medication to prevent an attack.


This discussion is related to Laryngeal Muscle Tension/breathing distress.

[Phyll53]

Laryngeal spasm has a new name - Laryngospasm.  So nice that it is finally is being recognized by the medical community.  Went to 3 doctors 40 years ago when it started happening and they all shrugged their shoulders and told me my throat was fine. I blame my condition on a traumatic tonsillectomy 40 years ago that must have caused damage to the nerves in my throat because it started happening with one month..   Was awake during surgery, blindfolded, while an orderly held me down. Sick, sick doctor who convinced my mother  that I could bleed to death with the traditional tonsillectomy under general anesthesia.  My spasms began within 1 month of surgery and have been going on ever since. I usually get about 2 or 3 a year now. It used to happen much more frequently.  I am no longer awakened from a sound sleep with them since I've been taking Pepcid AC at bedtime.  I've also figured out how to stop them in their tracks, and that's by drinking water (room temp, not cold) as soon as it starts.  When you swallow, it opens your throat momentarily and you can get some air in.  Continue to drink and by the time you've finished second glass of water you're home free. Knowing the *water trick* works, I'm never without a drink available if I'm eating anything. My throat closes up for a variety of reasons, respiratory infections, acid reflux (which I no longer have) but now most of the time it happens when I'm eating, especially if I'm stressed.   About 10 years ago I had my gallbladder out and warned the anesthesiologist of my condition. Sure enough, when I woke in recovery room I couldn't breathe. She had a shot of albuterol ready for me (which I had asked her to prepare for me in advance, thank goodness) but even with that, my respiration rate was 83% and I was on oxygen all night. I'm terrified to think of what will happen if I ever need heart bypass surgery...  I hope that you all try the water during an attack.  I had tried the breathing techniques and though it helps, it's not half as good as the water remedy.

[Anonbeep]

I am 70 years old and suffered from Laryngeal Spasm for years and here is how you can stop an attack. I promise you this works. This is what you do.
As soon as you get an attack and you have to be quick and brave,

SWALLOW, AS IN GULP DOWN, AIR. FORCE AIR DOWN YOUR THROAT AND MAKE YOURSELF BELCH.

Keep swallowing as much air as you can and you will find the pressure of gulped air will Immediately open the larynx, after which the back pressure from the 'Belching' will open up your throat and kill the spasm. Try it, it really does work.

[mgillis]

grateful to see your post, from a few years back. Have you had any success, using your EpiPen? Thank you so much.

[DougieDJ]

I've been having spasms for 6 months now, happening nearly everyday. Waiting to see a neurologist as I also have speech and swallowing difficulties too. I'm off out to get some magnesium supplement, hope this works

[susanaarosemena]

Many thanks to you all spams sufferers for your great advices and suggestions which I have taken note. I have had two awfull spams and in both cases I was sure I was going to die (I am 66 and not ready to go). Luckily both times I was with my husband and I told him (by signs as I could not talk) to blow air with his mouth inside mine and the two times after the second blow I began to breath again little by little. I just wanted to share this with you. Kindest regards and good luck

[CarolJH]

Alright...I have had the endoscopy now and am on Nexium...Now I get them 2-3 times a day.  I am ready to give up.. I cannot stand it....