Laryngospasm: Sudden, Terrifying Difficulty Breathing

[hldevore]

Excellent video for me... I've had bronchitis supposedly and this awful scary "cough"... now I have a term to communicate with my physician or ER... God it is awful and scary and I just want it to stop

[MostlyMinty]

Thanks so much for this video. I've had this problem on and off for 20 years and no one would tell me what it was. I went to the ER 2 days ago because of it. I was misunderstood from the get-go - triage nurse put my complaint as "sore throat" (my throat was not sore) then physician said it was anxiety and he documented "globus sensation" in the chart, which I think is unrelated? Anyway he did give me a good throat relaxation exercise which helps but I just wish people would get things right!

[SuperSandravan]

I have been diagnosed with laryngospasm and would like to have seen more on what can been done for it...

[readinglts]

I recently had a cough. At the tail end of this cough, I found that whenever I would cough, instead of being able to take a large breath and keep coughing, I could no longer breathe. My throat just closes. For the last few days now, this has been happening. Will this pass because it's related to the cough?

[BVI03]

@readinglts Laryngospasm and sensory neuropathic cough are related entities. Laryngospasm often diminishes in frequency and duration before the cough goes completely away. Sorry for your distress, and f/u videos on treatment on the way . . .

[mbd108]

A very informative video,so thanks for this. Maybe some suggested solutions to the different types of Laryngospasm would be even better. I have suffered from this problem for 13 problem and recently had my second treatment with BOTOX (injected into the laryngeal folds) 1 week after my operation I am still waiting for any improvement. I'll keep you posted.

[mariepotterhere]

This is exactly what I experience. Worse with a cold, even a small amount of nasal drip triggers it. It an also happen spasmotically by swalling a tiny amount of spit. It is terrifying and yes, each time I think this will be my last and I will die. If I tilt my head slightly back and up it helps. I can also drool and my eyes water while gasping for air (it feels like a thread of air can pass through). cool air helps - if it feels warm I feel more constricted. All the best to those who suffer.

[anonymous812]

@uatriathlete69 Hey This same thing happened to me today while surfing around head and a half high dropped in, pulled into the barrel, got closed out on, and when i came up to gasp for air i couldn't breathe, it lasted for around 30 seconds all while i was getting shacked on the inside, it needless to say was scary as hell, but my question to you is did you inhale any water? Cause i dont feel like i did but yet i still had the spasm.

[BladesOfMunch]

Well, that was somewhat disturbing.

[halonothing1]

I have read that abuse of aerosol inhalants can cause a life threatening laryngospasm, which is apparently one of the causes of sudden death in abusers of inhalants, along with cardiac arrest. The mechanism is thought to be the rapidly cooled jet of fluid coming into contact with the larynx, causing a prolonged laryngospasm.

[86jendee]

Like many other viewers, I too, found the video extremely helpful. I've had more recently. ALWAYS related to some type of swallowing reflex....twice from juice of gum....and my head was tilted back a bit when it happened each time. Prior to seeing the video, I believed episodes should only last up to 1 min. When it exceded, I panicked and had friend call 911. Now I know you can have 2 or 3 in row. Thanks for info, Dr. Bastian and everyone else!

[86jendee]

glad I looked up this condition. The simulated largynospasm was 'exactly' what I sound like when I have an episode. also glad to hear that you can sometimes have two or three in a row. Before knowing that, I thought I was experiencing one that lasted almost five minutes, and as a result, I had my friend contact 911. Just like you described in the video, the episode was over long before the ambulance showed up. Thanks so much for you information, Dr. Bastian. I enjoy the other posts too

[ejayman]

Ive had this twice.

The first time was when I was about 16, woke up in the middle of the night and thought I had something obstructing my windpipe (honestly thought I was going to die and probably one of the scariest moments of my life). I wasn't sure if I dreamt it when I woke up.

But then it happened again about 5 months ago (I'm 23 now so quite a gap), had my head crooked against my bed headboard and just went to swallow and it just stuck and suddenly I couldnt breathe in :S

[7topCelebrityzCollab]

I think I have this... But , it lasts for like 2 hours....

[manatarms79]

I did have a lot of burping during an after the attack. Instead of gasping for air through my mouth, I tried through my nose and it passed sooner. I believe the burping is from acid reflux, and that is what is triggering the attack. Stay away from foods that cause heart burn etc...

[B4its2L8guy]

Thanks for this video, it was really calming. I have developed this issues after a cold. It happens every time I cough now, even just to clear my throat. It causes my eyes to water too. It freaks my girlfriend out and the people I work with. MY doctor said it was just my cold and only wrote me a script for antibiotics and cough syrup. I can hands down say my doctor is wrong....and now I seriously doubt his abilities as a GP.. I might add I have more than 15 episodes a day for 2 weeks now.

[docpopz]

OK, I joined the club of those who wake up with an episode. I think what helped to trigger the spasm was a sinus drainage associated with a cold. I find when I take cough suppressant/expectorant it often results in my waking up with a certain amount of throat congestion that is hard to "clear"...this compounds the fear I'm going to set off another spasm. I try to get control of "clearing my throat" by sipping lots of hot water. We describe the experience, but can anyone offer a medical solution?

[amyjoy04864]

This video was very helpful to me. I had a couple of panic filled episodes, and looked up info on the internet and came across this video. I said " thats me! thats exactly what I am experiencing!" I now am able to remain calmer trusting that I won't die "this time" either

I also do have occasional episodes of not being able to swallow as well. It has never choked me, it just feels like my throat muscles refuse to swallow for a few seconds....and suggestions why this happens?

[mcfaydeesaminator]

Thank you so much Dr. Bastian. I am a new member of the laryngospasm club. The first few times I did panic, but now I just try and wait until the episodes are over, trying to keep a look of fear off my face for the benefit of those around me. It started with coughing, then the closing began. I also have a lot of heartburn, and have noticed that this always brings on episodes. I guess that once it begins it never really goes away and we just have to manage? Thanks again and bless you, Darrel

[chrissline77]

You're lucky you didn't die. Ron Springs just suffered from laryngospasm and died during surgery from it.

[mcfaydeesaminator]

Thank you so much Dr. Bastian. I am a new member of the laryngospasm club. The first few times I did panic, but now I just try and wait until the episodes are over, trying to keep a look of fear off my face for the benefit of those around me. It started with coughing, then the closing began. I also have a lot of heartburn, and have noticed that this always brings on episodes. I guess that once it begins it never really goes away? That we just have to manage? Thanks again and bless you, Darrell

[MMAProfessor]

Hello, nice little video clip there.

I got something similar to this, I get cramp in my throat and I can't swallow.

I don't know how I started to do this, but I start shaking my head from left to right (not tilt) and the cramp stops almost immediately. I don't know if I can breathe while I get this, Im shaking my head as soon as I feel the cramps.

[antari2012]

@MMAProfessor I get the exact thing you are describing. sometimes in mid-swallow the muscles just stop and I feel like I'm going to choke, while other times I can't even get the swallow to begin, as if the muscles are not there at all.

[manatarms79]

Ok Doc put me on some antibiotics for my congestion, and told me to take meds for acid reflux. I'm also on a diet for acid reflux (I basically feel like I can't eat anything I hate it!). So yeah, I have noticed when it happens that there is a lot of burping afterwards caused by acid reflux. I want to let everyone know that, yes not to panic. But also to close your mouth and attempt to breath in through the nose. I've noticed that it passes alot sooner. Has anyone else tried this?

[manatarms79]

What is the remedy?

[generation1313]

@manatarms79 there's no remedy that I know of, but i can tell you from experience that if you DON'T PANIC it will only last 15-20 seconds. If you panic and start trying to take in air desperately, etc etc....it's gonna last upwards of a minute.

[docpopz]

Exactly how it happens and sounds. First time about 20 years ago while swimming. Talk about sense of panic...you can't pull any air in...just a shut off the airway. I've had it happen about a dozen times since then. Always associated with something starting to "go down the wrong pipe". Instead of clearing the throat, it goes into lock down. The longest 30 to 60 seconds of your life. I found I just have to be very (very!) intent on trying to stay calm and letting the things relax.

[MostlyMinty]

@docpopz me too, it frequently comes on while swimming due to even the smallest drop of water going down the wrong tube.. very scary indeed and the only thing that ever causes my vocal cords to release is consciously relaxing by going completely limp in the water - knowing my life depends on it!

[sunshine1649]

I've been getting these after coughing spells. Talk about freaking out when they first started happening, now I am somewhat used to them and can calm down. My doctor put me on a no milk/ milk product, no caffeine diet and he prescribed medicines to help with sever acid reflux that I wasn't even aware I was having. I actually has an eposide in the doctor's office, but it was a milder one than normal. Now I feel like I have a permanent lump in my throat. I'm due to get a barium swollow done.

[sunshine1649]

Doc says all is normal on my esophagus, but I do believe allergies and stress are a big factor in this. The spasms slowed down for a bit, then came back after a very stressful situation which includes allergy attacks. It's going to end up killing me if I don't try and control it. Isn't there some sort of medical operation for this?

[zazz63]

i had one attack a few days ago. I awoke at about 3am with my windpipe totally blocked making sounds indentical to that on this video ...although because i was panicking it was so loud i awoke the whole household. and yes I really thought I was going to die. To see this video has really put my mind at ease...

[hypersupermamado]

treatment ???

[TOMTAD1]

im 18 i had it 4-5 times.ya its very scary, it is caused by allergic and hypersensitive body but can be prevented 100% by doing YOGA(pranayama). THE KEY LIES IN REDUCING HYPERSENSITIVITY WHICH CAN BE DONE WITH EXCERCISES like PRANAYAMA

[MagicQueendom]

Thanks for this. I have been searching all morning to try and find out what happened to me at 3:20 this morning. Yes i say 3:20 because as it was happening I at straight up and looked at the clock and thought briefly that this would be the time on the clock when I die. I was terrified for me, and terrified that my children would wake up and find me because this was IT ! it lasted for maybe a minute but seemed like longer, I then began (cough-choking) on what seemed to be soapy, bubbly saliva.

[CindeeQ]

I understand how you feel. I have been dealing with choking in my sleep for about 7 years. I had an episode so bad 2 weeks ago I finally called my Dr.

[MagicQueendom]

OMG 7 years??? Im so sorry. I hope this doesnt happen to me again but I am still very nervous at night. I have choked in my sleep before but this was different this time. This was a complete closing of my airway. The choking didnt start until after my airway slowly started to open. I am still so freaked out but I didnt go to the doctor.

[guest98tx]

It seems like my daughter's VCD started with GERD or acid reflux but now that the little buggers know how to paradoxially close, emotional stress can trigger them. Sometimes asthma can trigger them to where she has both.

An astute ER doctor not familiar with VCD may notice via stethoscope the constriction seems to have a higher source and suspect faking.

I believe this phenomenal can be unconsciously "faked" (but maybe not to the laryngoscope idk) as in the case of conversion disorder.

[BVI03]

Thanks for your post. Another great subject for a future video: There is great confusion in terminology among phsycians between VFD and laryngospasm. Laryngospasm is neurogenic. In contrast, IMO, VFD diagnosis should be reserved for behavioral / non-organic disorder. Clear distinction is needed between the two in order to apply the correct treatment. One doesn't want to "medicalize" VFD but to treat it behaviorally. I'd like comment more, but can't (for now)--lack of time!

[guest98tx]

My daughter (10) has both asthma and VCD (vocal cord dysfunction) with laryngospasms. She is able to tell the difference. During VCD with laryngospasms she never has difficulty exhaing and she feels constriction high up near her throat. During asthma the feeling of constriction is lower and it is actually difficulty evacuating the lungs that makes it difficult to inhale well.

Most ER docs are not familiar with VCD and always try to give steroids which will help asthma but not VCD.

[Pianissimoho]

Acute laryngospasm is quite common at the start and at the end of anaesthesia. Att these times, the normal laryngeal reflexes become accentuated. The problem occurs much more frequently in smokers, sometimes to a life-threatening extent. Smoking prior to surgery is not a good idea - ask your friendly anaesthetist! Apart from the effects on the upper respiratory tract , carbon monoxide is inhaled as part of the smoke and takes up oxygen-carrying capacity in the red blood cells.

[BVI03]

TY for this good post. To clarify: I've seen this very different "type" of laryngospasm many times, but only during emergence from anesthesia. It is managed with positive pressure ventilation and occasionally medications that relax muslces. If a patient were alone in this circumstance, would be life-threatening, but of course there are always at least 2 (usually 3 or even 4) in attendance when persons are awakening--so no worry here for those with laryngospasm as described in this video.

[Pianissimoho]

Yes, I completely agree, people shouldn't get too concerned about anaesthesia- related problems - that's what your anaesthetist or anesthesiologist is very highly trained and experienced to deal with. BTW, BV103, after Propofol came on the scene, I found on occasion that a very small dose was highly effective at abolishing post-extubation spasm, without noticeably depressing respiratory drive. Never wrote it up, though! (Recently I met the guy whose team developed Propofol - hero!!)

[Dwq47]

@BVI03 I don't think I have this, but it's very similar. This has happened twice in the past 2 months, I end up not being able to breathe for a couple seconds. I also noticed it was harder to swallow spit during this time. I never made the weezing noise, it was an sudden stop of breathing. It happened for no apparent reason, randomly. It happened today, 1hr after I went for a run and I had no problems.

[MrCRM114]

Dr.Bastian, I cannot thank you enough.

I've had three of these in ten years and each time I thought I was about to cash in my chips. Now I know what's up, I'll cope better next time. Thanks again.

[GreatTeacherYukari]

I've been having shortness of breathe attacks since middle school and I never knew what they were until my senior year of highschool. And lately I've noticed that they've increased this year in my 2nd yr of college, especially during winter. Every week now I seem to have at least 3 attacks and although it doesn't hurt and they go away quickly, I am tiring of it. A few times a year when this happens I also feel a great pain in my chest that goes to my back. This video was informational so thanks!

[Pianissimoho]

GreatTeacherYukari, that doesn't sound like typical laryngospasm. You need to see your GP / physician and discuss investigating the problem.

[JaredAkers]

Great video. Amazing, I was eating chocolate today at work and had one of these. Man, I thought I was going to die, my co-workers were ready to dial 911. I've had post nasal drip for years due to something which is not allergy related. Good to read all these comments and know I'm not going to die from it. I'm also a scuba diver so would hate to have one of these while 80ft under water. I think anxiety is a large side-effect. I'm nervous to even cough now. My Dr. diagnosed larnygospasm

[pccorrect]

I have experienced these spasms since the age of 10, a few each year. (I'm now 54.) Until very recently, no one could tell me what they were. After so many years, I have "learned" to relax and breathe through my nose instead of struggling to get air via the closed throat. Let me reassure any folks who have just begun to experience them, they aren't fatal! Scary yes, but the spasm always resolves.

[UncleNabob]

1st time it happened in an airplane at 30,00 feet while eating a dry hamburger bun. With food flying from window seat & flight attendant giving heimleck I thought I was dying. Finally figured out that it was brought on by a mold allergy which gave post nasal drip with GERD contributing. It's still scary. I woke last night with an attack brought on by post nasal drip from a cold. It's so hard to relax and sniff through the nose when you're so scared, but it helps. Haven't died yet.

[HighProphetOfRegret]

Waking up with a laryngospasm is like seeing a ghost. No one seems to believe it happened, and no one seems to believe how unfathomably scary it is.

[bullirish]

My daughter is a surgeon and has seen me during one of these episodes. They are not very nice to see and I'm afraid that I alarm her too. Can I die during one of these episodes? Does my daughter need to teach my husband how to do a trache? If I lose consciousness, will my larynx relax? I don't have a problem with acid reflux at all. I don't think this is the reason for this problem but I must admit, it is scary.

[BVI03]

This is information, NOT medical advice: In 20+years, 100's of patients, nobody died. Just very frightening! Use a small-caliber drinking straw to practice many times breathing in through it for 2 minutes. After do this many times you'll have trained lips to same tiny size during spasm. For persons with severe & frequent l-spasm ask your Dr. re neuralgia medications like amitriptyline or gabapentin. Can be very helpful. All the best!

[bullirish]

So what should be done to stop these episodes?! Can I die during an episode? What if my larynx does NOT relax?!

[jturner22b]

Wow, what a great video! Thank you, Dr. Bastian.

Has anyone experienced Laryngospasm symptoms when diving into a pool or while swimming a few feet down? I started to experience this a few years, probably after a bad ear infection. I can't remember if I've ever experienced it elsewhere; maybe once in the shower. It is quite terrifying.

[firelaker]

can sumone help me...at random times...i can hardly breathe..it aint..tht severe...but it aint tht weak either...sumtimes my chest tightens...and aches... but after a while it gets better...help anyone?

[namelesss0101]

My first attack was about a year ago and I've only had three since then. Thank God. All of mine have been in the middle of the day though. I haven't had an attack in about 3 months and I fear one is going to come soon. Is there any way to not have it happen?

[generation1313]

My ENT told me in my case it was secondary to GERD. He prescribed nexium. This was just a few days ago.

If an attack happens, keep your mouth closed and try to relax (as much as humanly possible, given the situation). Also, put your face in cold air, if you can keep your wits about you. These steps will make it subside faster. This is all advice from my ENT.

[namelesss0101]

Thanks. That helps alot. People say to breath through your nose but I have trouble even thinking. lol

[xxcutelilleilaxx]

lucky! i had one during the night. =[. so frightening!

[xxcutelilleilaxx]

i only had 3 attacks in 1 yr. but after that i didn't have any. it is possible to get better. =] the best way to not have it happen is taking your ppi's for gerd since it's associated to gerd. talk to your doctor.

[namelesss0101]

I took these over the counter acid controllers and I think it's pretty much fixed my problem. Haven't had one for 6 or 7 months.

[amyjoy04864]

I just had an attach tonight...yet I have lived to write this comment!. I was so relieved to see this video. I have told people that I thought it was sometimes triggered by candy too far in the back of my throat and they thought I was crazy. I have found that chocolate can do it if it melts far back in my throat or if I don't swallow it right away...OK has anyone ever died of it?

[1stChoiceRESchool]

I have had this for over 12 years and was diagnosed with laryngospasm. At first it happened only at night - about every 3 months. Now they also occur during the day. I think the nighttime cause is postnasal drainage due to allergies. I think this irritates my larynx causing it to spasm. During the day, it happens when I'm eating or drinking something and it "goes down the wrong pipe". I read that botox injections might help to relax the larynx but I don't know what that would do to my voice.

[x3173x]

Oh my God! I couldn't believe it. It was describing everything i was feeling and it felt sooo good to get some clarification on my symptoms. i dont feel so scared now knowing a lot of other people suffer from this too. Thank you sooo much for a very reassuring video.

[scattypants]

I have been having these episodes for about 5 years, say every 3 months or so. Its so scarey, ive always been able to not panic and get my breathing together trying to reach for a small breath rather than a large intake, but the last episode has made me ill with worry - i could not regain my breathing and was about to pass out, it lasted ages, i was convinced i was going to die this time. Now every day I live in fear.

[Lyndy228]

I think you're on to something with the candy. I have had this problem for years and have noticed it is more frequent when I'm stressed and then triggered by sweet or sour foods. I've found that working to calm myself and breathing through my nose is the best way to return to normal for me.

[lovedbymany90]

same here. i get tired of breathing. i hope it all goes away one day.

[madpsintst]

Thank you for the information. I have had laryngospasm for years, and it can be frightening. I also have asthma, so typically my physician has confused the issues, and in fact suspected panic attacks. But it is clearly laryngospasm.

[chemike15]

thankUsomch doc..its realy informative and educational..it can be a big help for me:D

im suffering from breathing dificulty even at rest,i have a mild mitral valve prolapse but my cardiologist told me that its not actualy the cause.some told me its only psychological or stress,but i dont think they right..i feel that there's realy something wrong on my breathing..its realy hard for me to breath..

thank U,more power to u po..

[badxradxandy]

As a RN in a post-anesthesia care unit, this is a complication I have to watch for. I always have my ambu-bag, oxygen, and suction handy. =)

[YourMamasHangOut]

I had bilateral vocal cord paralysis that changed to unilateral cord paralysis (closed position of the paralyzed cord). I get larnygospasm frequently. What is the treatment? When I had bilateral paralysis, it was treated with tracheostomy. The trach was removed when one cord recovered. How do you stop the spasms? I'm scared that it's going to kill me.