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How Can Laryngospasms Be Treated?
I have laryngospasms. I get them when anything (including saliva) touches my vocal cords. I have called 911 on more than one occasion as I was about to (but did not) pass out. I did see an ENT who reported that there was no indication of it being due to reflux. I am still concerned that it might be fatal, although there are no stats on such. Even without being fatal, they can be difficult. Last time I was sick I had one every time I coughed. I am looking to move out of the country to a county with minimal hospitals (no ERs), and am concerned about such a move with laryngospasms that plague me multiple times a year. What are the most current accepted and/or established medical treatments available to me, because the breathing methods, which dont really work well for me I will say (e.g. straw breathing, head tilted back, laryngospasm notch). I am surprised that every few years the recommendations change.
Fri, 13 Jul 2018
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Laryngospasms are often caused by a gastrointestinal reaction. They can be an indicator of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), which is a chronic condition. GERD is characterized by stomach acid or undigested food coming back up your esophagus. If this acid or food matter touches your larynx, where your vocal cords are, it may trigger them to spasm and constrict. A common cause of laryngospasm is stress or emotional anxiety. A laryngospasm can be your body displaying a physical reaction to an intense feeling that you’re experiencing. Laryngospasm may be associated with different triggers, such as asthma, allergies, exercise, irritants (smoke, dust, fumes), stress, anxiety. I suggest you to have regular follow up with your doctor to prevent GERD. If GERD is the problem, treating the condition can help manage laryngospasm. Doctors often prescribe proton pump inhibitors such as Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), Esomeprazole (Nexium), and Lansoprazole (Prevacid). These reduce the production of stomach acids, so that fluids from the stomach that do back up into the esophagus are less corrosive. Another option is prokinetic agents. These stimulate movement in the digestive tract to reduce the amount of acid available.
You can also relieve GERD, and help prevent laryngospasm, by following these lifestyle tips:
1. Avoid common heartburn triggers, such as fruit and fruit juices, caffeine, fatty foods, and peppermint.
2. Eat smaller meals, and stop eating two to three hours before bedtime.
3. If you smoke, quit. Also, limit alcohol consumption.
4. Raise the head of your bed a few inches by putting wood blocks under the bedpost.
5. Avoid allergies triggers.
6. Breathing techniques including slow breathing and staying calm also may help.
Regards-
Dr Sanjay Kini
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Laryngospasms are often caused by a gastrointestinal reaction. They can be an indicator of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), which is a chronic condition. GERD is characterized by stomach acid or undigested food coming back up your esophagus. If this acid or food matter touches your larynx, where your vocal cords are, it may trigger them to spasm and constrict. A common cause of laryngospasm is stress or emotional anxiety. A laryngospasm can be your body displaying a physical reaction to an intense feeling that you’re experiencing. Laryngospasm may be associated with different triggers, such as asthma, allergies, exercise, irritants (smoke, dust, fumes), stress, anxiety. I suggest you to have regular follow up with your doctor to prevent GERD. If GERD is the problem, treating the condition can help manage laryngospasm. Doctors often prescribe proton pump inhibitors such as Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), Esomeprazole (Nexium), and Lansoprazole (Prevacid). These reduce the production of stomach acids, so that fluids from the stomach that do back up into the esophagus are less corrosive. Another option is prokinetic agents. These stimulate movement in the digestive tract to reduce the amount of acid available.
You can also relieve GERD, and help prevent laryngospasm, by following these lifestyle tips:
1. Avoid common heartburn triggers, such as fruit and fruit juices, caffeine, fatty foods, and peppermint.
2. Eat smaller meals, and stop eating two to three hours before bedtime.
3. If you smoke, quit. Also, limit alcohol consumption.
4. Raise the head of your bed a few inches by putting wood blocks under the bedpost.
5. Avoid allergies triggers.
6. Breathing techniques including slow breathing and staying calm also may help.
Regards-
Dr Sanjay Kini
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