Laryngospasm treatment depends on the underlying cause. For example, if laryngospasms are linked to GERD, then treating chronic acid reflux can also reduce your risk for laryngospasm. If laryngospasms are due to anxiety, then anti-anxiety meds can help ease your spasms.
Unfortunately, laryngospasms usually happen quickly. So, treatment often involves finding ways to stay calm during the episode. If you or someone you’re with is having a laryngospasm, you should:
Try not to panic or gasp for air. Remaining calm can help you relax more through the laryngospasm. Take small sips of water. This will help wash away any irritants that may have come in contact with your vocal cords. Apply pressure behind your earlobes. The soft spot behind your earlobes and just above your jaw is known as the laryngospasm notch. When you apply forceful pressure down and inward on this pressure point, it can help your vocal cords relax.
Very Frequent Attacks can be managed by treating :
But it can be a symptom of other conditions, including:
Asthma. People with asthma may experience laryngospasm after coming in contact with air pollution or breathing vigorously after exercise. GERD (chronic acid reflux). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes stomach acid or undigested food to come back up into your esophagus (throat). Sometimes, this acid or debris also comes in contact with your larynx and triggers a laryngospasm. Stress or anxiety disorders. Emotional responses like stress and anxiety can trigger laryngospasm. It’s your body’s physical response to an intense emotion that you’re feeling. Sleep-related laryngospasm. Some people experience laryngospasm in their sleep and wake up gasping for air. Often, this is related to vocal cord dysfunction or acid reflux. Anesthesia. In some cases, laryngospasm occurs during general anesthesia. This happens when the anesthesia or extubation (removal of the nose or throat tube) irritates your vocal cords. This type of laryngospasm is more common in certain individuals, including children, people undergoing surgery on their larynx or pharynx, and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Laryngeal hypersensitivity (irritable larynx syndrome). If the mucosa of your upper airway is too sensitive, anything that stimulates it may cause a laryngospasm, such as cold air, talking loudly, coughing or eating certain foods.