What Is a Laryngospasm?

Have you ever found yourself suddenly unable to speak? Perhaps you had difficulty breathing at the same time? After a few moments, these symptoms probably safely subsided, but it can still be a frightening experience. You may have been suffering from a laryngospasm.

What is a laryngospasm?

Laryngospasm is a temporary spasm of the vocal chords. Like other types of spasms, laryngospasm usually comes on suddenly. It typically makes the sufferer unable to speak or breathe normally. These laryngospasm do not generally cause real health risks because they are temporary episodes.

What causes laryngospasm?

Laryngospasm is often related to GERD, a disease associated with frequent acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acids flow back up into the esophagus. These digestive juices can also flow all the way up into the larynx. If stomach acid reaches the vocal chords, laryngospasm is likely to occur.

How do you treat laryngospasm?

Laryngospasm episode will eventually resolve. Your vocal chords will relax on their own and you’ll be able to breathe and speak normally. While there’s no medication that’s known to cause relaxation to occur more quickly, focusing on relaxing your entire body may help.

In order to prevent future occurrences of laryngospasm, you need to treat the underlying cause. GERD can be treated with dietary and lifestyle changes as well as medication.