Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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What is laryngospasm?
Laryngospasm occurs when the vocal cords suddenly close when taking an in-breath, blocking the flow of air into the lungs. When the vocal cords spasm they can fully or partially close the airway.
A spasm typically lasts for a few seconds, up to a minute. This is not long enough to pose any real danger.
Laryngospasms can happen during the day, but also at night. People with this condition can find themselves waking in the
middle of the night unable to speak or breathe.
What are the symptoms of laryngospasm?
- Sudden difficulty inhaling with no obvious cause
- The sensation of choking
- A feeling of tightness in the throat.
What causes laryngospasm?
Laryngospasm can be related to a number of different triggers including:
- Asthma and allergies
- Exercise
- Irritants (smoke, fumes, dust)
- Stress and anxiety
- Reflux (indigestion)
- Nasal disease.
Strategies to use during an episode
Laryngospasms can be a frightening experience but it is important to remain calm; panicking can make the spasm last longer and will cause the symptoms to feel more intense.
There are a number of strategies which can help, which include:
- During a spasm, try not to gasp for air or gulp in through the mouth. If possible sit down, relax your shoulders, and remind yourself that this event will pass
- Try to breathe in through your nose with your mouth closed. This will go against all your natural instincts, but will relax the vocal cords, opening up your airway
- If this is not helping, focus on breathing out through pursed lips. Focusing on the exhale will help to relax your vocal cords
- Using a straw, seal the lips around the straw and breathe slowly in and out through the straw. This technique encourages slower breathing that can help relax the vocal cords
- You can also try breathing in and out through pursed lips, this has a similar effect to breathing through a straw.
It is important to remember that the spasm will always relax.
Once the attack has passed your breathing should return completely back to normal.
If you have a persistent problem with your breathing, you should seek medical attention.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Speech and language therapy service.
About this information
Service:
Speech and language therapy
Reference:
VV/044
Approval date:
27 September 2024
Review date:
1 September 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.