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.

[nutmegryan]

I have had laryngospasms since undergoing radiation treatment for cancer cells remaining after removal of my cancerous thyroid. That was 10 years ago. I had 2 before checking with my doctor. He said that it was a side effect of the radiation treatment. After having several more, I found that these were affecting the way I lived.  I sought help from a hypnotherapist so I could handle the panic. After 3 visits, I developed a routine to follow at the onset that helps me stay calm but doesn't always stop them. I take Tussionex, a high-powered cough med and drink hot tea with honey along with ice water. My family and close friends know the routine and can usually get help, even in public places. Hot water does the trick too. Just had one today while having lunch with a friend. I was told that my inhaler for asthma just irritated the throat more so I don't grab that. I am glad I found this forum after a long search. I always tell my dentist and other professionals about this and some take it very seriously and some look at me with puzzlement. I know well the pin pricking sensation on the side of the throat that some have mentioned. Mine is especially irritated by smoke in the air, fatigue and stress. Of course, I avoid getting colds as much as possible too. I hope this helps. It is so good to communicate with those who suffer from this frightening problem.

[Dufficy]

I agree with all of you that the larangeal spasm is horrifying. I am about to visit my doctor today regarding my most recent attacks. I am hoping I will be able to get an epipen.

In the meantime, I always use my Ventolin puffer - even though I cannot suck up the vapour, I feel that it must be able to help somehow. It does not immediately work but I have not passed out or come close to passing out, so maybe it does have an effect. I hope this can help other people who suffer with these very debilitating spasms.

[kimber1971]

Hello :)
I just ran across this thread after searching for what the cause of my elderly father is having symptoms of & I believe this is what he is suffering from. He just had his AICD put in last week so he will be able to do his procedure for the scope to see what's going on with him but this is just one of the several things he has to deal with but it's reassuring that I think that I have found out what he's dealing with probably, as to where the doctors aren't sure. My father is 74 & has a really bad heart with only one artery left & a valve that is leaking but with these attacks he's having it takes a lot out of him. Not only is he suffering from these spasm attacks where we have to sit him up & blow air into his mouth on the difficult episodes he's lost 33lbs in two months & no appetite so you can just imagine there is no way we are able to let him try & catch his own breath because he panics which is hard for him not too with everything else & plus his age factor that is so scary to him. He might lose unconsciousness I have read then the larnyx will relax as posted in some of the threads on here but not so sure about him & all the factors. I just want to know if anyone has anyone to help them when attacks occur to sit them, hit their backs & blow air into their mouth because he can't close his during the hard attacks it's like a fish out of water gaping etc. Thanks :)

[chamberlainj]

I am so glad to have found this site- having experienced several of these suddenly not able to breath issues-  I was explaining what has happened to me (most recently a week ago while sleeping in fact) to my doc and he told me what it was called- first time I had ever heard of it-  he is sending me to an Ear,Nose& Throat doc just to have a scope-camera verify nothing is going on in my throat- as a backup- but as far as what to do when you suddenly can't breath- (fortunately has not happened to me while driving) he had no idea- said that eventually your body will allow you to breath- not very comforting of course- even though I understand what he is saying to me... I had hoped there was a magic throat spray to carry with me, etc., but he explained how the throat closes up temporarily- my fear I guess is if I had this happen without having a full breath of air in my lungs (such as exhaling and then diving underwater- you'd be in trouble very soon)  I might black out or even die-  so this site is awesome- and I already got the supplements from the health food store- will definitely try the cold air/head in the freezer idea next time this happens-  but man, the stress of going to sleep now wondering if it will happen again- and if I will wake up in time to try and force air to come in and out- it's extremely stressful not knowing when it might happen again. Once more- thanks to everyone for these post- there is more for me to learn here than I got from visiting the doc (even though he was fairly well versed on this subject) as no suggestions regarding supplements, etc., were made to me ....

[Xray53]

I am writing this after a middle of the night ambulance ride to the ER for a horrifying laryngospasm.  The ER doc acted like I was crazy to be there because of course by the time of my arrival the event was over except for my rapid heart rate and sky high blood pressure.  The bad thing is that I am an employee of the hospital I am lying in and it really upset me to be asked "what do you want me to do for you?". So glad to find this site as only those who have experienced this stressful situation can really understand it. Will be trying all the suggestions I've seen here as I have suffered from them for decades and like the rest of my fellow sufferers live in fear of the next terrifying episode.

[Dimmy18]

Swallow as hard as you can.  That works.  A respiratory therapist told me to do that.