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Vocal Cord dysfunction?

Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) | Last Active: Oct 19 8:17am | Replies (42)

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@kmacky

Yes! Several episodes of almost passing out before I was able to start breathing again. Finally went to ENT specialist and he did examination and scans and diagnosed “laryngospasm”. He told me that the folds of my vocal chords were malformed.
Each time I had an episode it was when I was eating or drinking water. I would start coughing when a tiny drop of water or food would touch down on a spot in my throat right where my air intake is. Like I was aspirating it into my lungs.
I was just totally panicked! I could not breathe. My trachea felt completely cut off. I really felt like I was drowning.
So when he gave me this new word, Laryngospasm, he told me there was no cure for it. Said if/when it happens again- get on the floor in a comfortable position with pillows and if you pass out- you will stop the spasm, naturally. If you Google it you will find many tips that work for people.
Here’s what I found that works for me.
I try to CALM MYSELF DOWN.
I sip a small amount of fizzy club soda and try to “throw” it the back of my throat. It has worked the past 5 times.
I quit eating dry foods like popcorn, crackers, chips, pretzels, etc.
Wishing you the best of luck.

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Replies to "Yes! Several episodes of almost passing out before I was able to start breathing again. Finally..."

Hello, I have similar spasms and they can be terrifying. I have just read a book by Dr Chris Honey - he has discovered a syndrome and named it HeLPS - Hemilaryngopharyngeal spasm. It sounds exactly like what you have and it can be stopped. I have spoken to my doctor and she is referring me to see him. He is a brain surgeon in Vancouver, BC.