Laryngeal spasms

hi @jbell22, I'm tagging other members like @siosal @michelle34 @rashida @randyste @ryman, who have experience with laryngeal spasms.

I can imagine the spasms are very scary. How long have you had laryngeal spasms? What seems to trigger them?

Thank you for sharing my post. I have been having them since 2012, often with large periods of time either them. They seem to be increasing now. I have a congenital heart condition and have had a thyroplasty (artificial vocal chord put in) but these came after my first two so I am not sure they are connected. It took a long time to come up with a trigger but it seems to be fluids - I don't choke or anything, just seems to hit the back of the throat weirdly before the attacks. I competitive paddle and I am afraid to drink liquids while racing. Would appreciate any info anyone has. Thank you!

Hi,
I’ve had laryngeal issues from reflux for about a year now. It’s very painful and I can’t find anything to help. I’m on 40 mg of nexium and liquid sulcrafate. I also take gaviavon advance from the UK. Sometimes that helps for about 20 minutes. I also went on an alkaline diet. Nothing has helped. I gave up coffee for 5 months which has been torturous for me. I’ve since added other foods back in my diet and I am allowing myself 1 cup of coffee in the morning with the same results. I don’t know if my symptoms are good triggered or not. I don’t know what to do. I’m open to any suggestions if anyone has any! Ive been to 8 different gastroenterologists and can’t get any results with my issues. My symptoms are constant acid taste in my mouth, burning in my chest, ears, and throat, and what feels like an elephant sitting on my chest. A lot of dr’s do not believe in LPR including the one I had a telehealth appointment at Mayo. If anyone has similar symptoms please let me know. My father is dying from esophageal cancer from acid reflux and I’m afraid I’m going to end up with the same condition.

Same thing here, thought I would die without oxygen. Had about 3 of them.They last a short time but seems like hours! I just had a minor one that was not too bad as I could get a little air in and out.
Went to the dr. & he said this was ILO. Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction. Suggest you Google this term as there are several sites that may help explain this & give you suggestions for cause & a breathing exercise.
Acid Reflux is one of the causes, as is postnasal drip (my problem), exercise, fumes & chemicals.
They also suggest that you see, of all things, a Speech Therapist,a CPAP machine is also suggested
The breathing exercise is pursing your lips, like you have a straw & breathe very shallowly using your stomach muscles. Prctice this of course when you are NOT having a spasm.
Please let me know if anything helps

I have zero acid reflux, but reflux may leave you at risk for Esophageal cancers, much worse than losing your voice. Please take care and keep in touch with good Gastroenterologists.

Thank you! It sounds like we have the same thing and I will look up that term. I am on medication for acid reflux and also have a nasal spray. I will try the 'straw breathing' and look into all the rest.
Thank you again,
Jackie

I am not sure if my spasms are the same as yours but my Speach Therapist told me to pull on my ears - just pull them straight off your head - it actually works - stops my spasms- now I don’t freak out anymore. I hope this helps you…

Definitely will be trying that! Do you mean pull from the lobes down, sides out, top up...can you be more specific? Thank you so much for your suggestion.

so interesting about seeing a speech therapist. it makes sense, as does my allergist's suggestion to see a voice box doctor (an ENT who specializes in issues with the larynx?). i have found when i have a laryngospasm (my name for it) that when i start to panic, i must remember to breathe through my nose. then i realize that my lungs are working and i stop freaking out. try that. and i'm gonna try the straw breathing and ear pull!

Pretty amazing trick and I hope that those of us who have this scary spasm don't ever have to try it out, but--- will
write this down & use it if necessary. Thanks a billion!