Laryngospasm What causes it - Mayo Clinic
COVID-19 Advice updates and vaccine options
Find out about COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccines, and Mayo Clinic patient and visitor updates. Skip to site navigation Skip to Content This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Appointments at Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Request Appointment Laryngospasm What causes it
Products and services What causes laryngospasm
Answer From Sahil Khanna, M.B.B.S., M.S. Laryngospasm (luh-RING-go-spaz-um) is a transient and reversible spasm of the vocal cords that temporarily makes it difficult to speak or breathe. The vocal cords are two fibrous bands inside the voice box (larynx) at the top of the windpipe (trachea). The onset of a vocal cord spasm is sudden, and just as suddenly, it goes away, usually after a few minutes. The breathing difficulty can be alarming, but it's not life-threatening. The cause of vocal cord spasms is often unknown, and it is usually in response to a trigger such as anxiety or acid reflux. Acid reflux may cause a few drops of stomach acid backwash to touch the vocal cords, setting off the spasm. Laryngospasm can sometimes occur after an endotracheal tube is removed from the throat. These are usually rare events and recurrence is uncommon, but if it happens, try to relax. Taking an antacid or acid inhibitor for a few weeks may help diagnose the problem by the process of elimination. If these medications help, please consult your doctor before taking them long term. If the cause is unclear, your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) to look at your vocal cords with a mirror or small fiberscope to be sure there is no other abnormality. If the diagnosis is laryngospasm or other vocal cord dysfunction, your doctor may refer you to a speech-language pathologist to help you learn breathing exercises. Relaxation and breathing techniques may relieve symptoms and lessen the frequency or severity of laryngospasms in the future. With Sahil Khanna, M.B.B.S., M.S. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox
Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Subscribe! Thank you for subscribing
You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription
Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry Asthma and acid refluxGERD: Can certain medications make it worse? ShareTweet Dec. 09, 2021 Show references Keech BM, et al. Pulmonary complications. In: Anesthesia Secrets. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 5, 2021. Rutt AL, et al. Management of refractory laryngospasm. Journal of Voice. 2021; doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2020.01.004. Broaddus VC, et al. Upper airway disorders. In: Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 5, 2021. Vocal cord dysfunction. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-treatments/related-conditions/vocal-cord-dysfunction. Accessed Nov. 5, 2021. Khanna S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Nov. 7, 2021. See more Expert Answers Products and Services
Book: Mayo Clinic on Digestive Health See also
Asthma and acid refluxBile refluxBreastfeeding and medicationsCoughCounting caloriesDiabetic GastroparesisGastroparesisGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)GERD: Can certain medications make it worse?Heartburn medicines and B-12 deficiencyHoney: An effective cough remedy?Minimally invasive anti-reflux proceduresMinimally invasive anti-reflux surgeryNeedle biopsyNissen fundoplicationOpera Star's SurgeryRelaxation techniquesSclerodermaUpper endoscopyEndoscopyFundoplicationX-rayShow more related content Advertisement
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press
Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceNEW – The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – The Essential Diabetes BookNEW – Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – Mayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book Other Topics in Patient Care & Health Info
Diseases & Conditions A-Z Symptoms A-Z Tests & Procedures A-Z Drugs & Supplements A-Z Health Books Healthy Living Program Mayo Clinic Health Letter Mayo Clinic Voice Apps . FAQ-20058269 Home Laryngospasm What causes it Mayo Clinic Footer
Legal Conditions and Terms
Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy Notice of Privacy Practices Notice of Nondiscrimination Manage Cookies Advertising
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised.Advertising and sponsorship policyAdvertising and sponsorship opportunities Reprint Permissions
A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved.