Laryngospasm: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Prathyusha Mootha , ENT

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Laryngospasm is a sudden and involuntary contraction of the vocal cords, which can lead to airway obstruction. It is a reflexive action often triggered by irritation or stimulation of the vocal cords or the nerves supplying them.

What is Laryngospasm?

Laryngospasm is characterized by the sudden closure of the vocal cords, which can temporarily block the flow of air into the lungs. This condition can be brief, lasting only a few seconds, but in more severe cases, it can persist and require medical intervention.

Although it is generally a benign condition, it can be life-threatening if not promptly managed, especially when associated with anaesthesia during surgical procedures.

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What is the difference between laryngospasm and bronchospasm?

Laryngospasm vs bronchospasm both involve sudden muscle tightening, but they happen in different parts of the airway.

• Laryngospasm is when the vocal cords in the throat suddenly close up. This can block air from entering the lungs and cause temporary breathing difficulties. It often happens during surgery or if something irritates the throat.
• Bronchospasm happens deeper in the lungs when the small airways (bronchi) tighten. This makes breathing difficult and is common in asthma or allergies.

Both require medical attention if severe, but they affect different areas of the respiratory system.

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What Are the Symptoms of Laryngospasm?

Laryngospasm is when the muscles around your voice box (larynx) suddenly tighten, making it hard to breathe or speak for a short time. It can be scary, but knowing the symptoms helps you recognize it and stay calm.

Usually, a laryngospasm starts quickly and doesn't last long, often just a few seconds to a couple of minutes.

During an episode, you might feel like your throat is closing up or you can't get enough air. Sometimes, people make a strange, high-pitched sound called stridor when trying to breathe in.

• Stridor: A high-pitched wheezing sound while breathing.
• Coughing: Sudden, forceful coughing fits.
• Cyanosis: Bluish discolouration of the skin due to lack of oxygen.
• Panic and Anxiety: The sensation of not being able to breathe can induce panic.
• Sudden difficulty breathing
• Feeling like your throat is closing
• High-pitched wheezing or noisy breathing (stridor)
• Choking during the episode
• Inability to speak clearly or at all temporarily
• Feeling panicked or anxious during the spasm

While these symptoms are alarming, they often resolve quickly as the vocal cords relax. However, persistent or severe symptoms require immediate medical attention to prevent complications.

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What are the Causes of Laryngospasm?

Laryngospasm happens when the vocal cords suddenly tighten or close up, blocking airflow into the lungs for a short time. This is usually the body's protective reflex to stop things like food, liquids, or irritants from entering the windpipe or lungs. While it can feel scary, understanding the causes can help you know why it happens.

Common Triggers

Laryngospasm can be triggered by a variety of factors, most commonly irritation or stimulation of the larynx. The following are some common causes of laryngospasm:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux can irritate the larynx and lead to laryngospasm.
• Anaesthesia: During surgery, anaesthetic agents or the placement of an endotracheal tube can irritate the vocal cords.
• Allergic Reactions: Exposure to allergens can provoke laryngeal inflammation.
• Respiratory Infections: Conditions like croup or laryngitis can cause inflammation and trigger spasms.
• Environmental Irritants: Exposure to smoke, dust, or fumes can lead to irritation.

Neurological Factors

In some cases, neurological issues might contribute to the occurrence of laryngospasm. Conditions affecting the central nervous system or the pathways responsible for vocal cord control may contribute to the development of laryngospasm.

Causes of Laryngospasm

• Throat irritation from infections (cold, flu)
• Acid reflux is causing throat irritation
• Allergies or exposure to irritants like smoke or fumes
• Medical procedures (e.g., intubation)
• Neurological or muscle disorders affecting the vocal cords
• Sudden exposure to cold air or sudden swallowing issues

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How Is Laryngospasm Diagnosed?

Diagnosing laryngospasm can be tricky because the symptoms often come and go quickly. Many people feel like they're choking or can't breathe for a few seconds, which can be scary.

Doctors usually start by asking about your medical history and what triggers the episodes, like acid reflux, stress, or recent surgery.

Since there's no single test to confirm laryngospasm, doctors use a combination of questions, physical exams, and tests to rule out other issues like asthma or allergies.

Here are some common tests your doctor might recommend:

• Laryngoscopy: A thin tube with a camera is gently inserted through your nose or mouth to check your vocal cords.
• Pulmonary Function Tests: These check how well your lungs are working and help rule out asthma.
• pH Monitoring: Used to detect acid reflux, which can trigger laryngospasms.
• Allergy Testing: Helps find out if an allergic reaction is causing the symptoms.
• Voice Evaluation: A speech therapist may assess how your vocal cords are functioning.

These tests help your doctor understand what's going on and choose the best way to treat it.

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How Is Laryngospasm Treated?

Laryngospasm can feel scary, but the good news is that it's usually short-lived and treatable. It happens when the vocal cords suddenly tighten, making it hard to breathe or speak for a few seconds to a few minutes. Here's how it's managed:

• Stay Calm: Try not to panic. The spasm usually goes away on its own in less than a minute. Staying calm helps the muscles relax faster.
• Slow, Gentle Breathing: Breathe through your nose if possible. Slow and steady breaths can help ease the spasm.
• Sip Cold Water: Taking small sips of cold water after the episode may help soothe the throat muscles and prevent another one.
• Steam Inhalation: Breathing in warm steam may reduce throat irritation and relax the vocal cords.
• Treating the Cause: If laryngospasm is triggered by acid reflux, allergies, or throat irritation, treating the underlying cause can reduce future episodes.
• Medication (if needed): In some cases, doctors may prescribe medicine for acid reflux or anxiety if those are causing repeated spasms.
• Speech Therapy: For frequent cases, a speech therapist can teach you breathing techniques to control and prevent spasms.

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When to See a Doctor for Laryngospasm?

Laryngospasm can feel scary, especially when it happens suddenly. While most episodes are short and harmless, some cases need medical attention.

See a doctor if you experience:

• Frequent or repeated throat spasms
• Breathing trouble that doesn't go away quickly
• Chest tightness or discomfort during episodes
• Spasms that wake you up at night
• Voice changes or hoarseness that lasts
• A choking feeling without a clear cause

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What Is the Recovery Process After Laryngospasm Treatment?

Recovering from laryngospasm is usually quick, especially once the trigger is removed and breathing returns to normal. Here's what you can expect:

• Rest your voice for a day or two to avoid strain.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Avoid irritants like smoke, strong smells, or allergens.
• Use steam inhalation if your throat feels dry or tight.
• Follow your doctor's advice if medications were given.
• Watch for recurrence and note any triggers like acid reflux or stress.
• Attend follow-up visits if laryngospasms happen often.

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What Precautions Can Help Prevent Laryngospasm?

Prevention Tips for Laryngospasm

• Avoid known triggers like strong odors, smoke, or allergens
• Stay calm during episodes, stress can make it worse
• Treat acid reflux if you have it, as it can irritate the throat
• Drink warm fluids to soothe your throat
• Avoid shouting or straining your voice too much

Possible Complications of Laryngospasm

• Shortness of breath during an episode
• Panic or anxiety from the sudden breathing problem
• Sleep interruptions, especially if they happen at night
• In rare cases, it may cause fainting if breathing is blocked for too long

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Our Experience Treating Laryngospasm

At Medicover Hospitals, we understand how frightening and sudden laryngospasm can be, both for patients and their families. With years of experience managing airway-related emergencies, our expert anesthesiologists and critical care teams are trained to act quickly and compassionately. From accurate diagnosis to immediate intervention, we ensure every patient receives calm, skilled, and effective care. Our goal is not just to treat the condition, but to reassure and support you every step of the way, because your breathing, comfort, and peace of mind matter most to us.

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