Laryngospasm
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In medicine, laryngospasm is an uncontrolled/involuntary muscular contraction (spasm) of the laryngeal cords. The condition typically lasts less than 30 or 60 seconds, and causes a partial blocking of breathing in, while breathing out remains easier. It may be triggered when the voice box or the area of the windpipe below the voicebox detects the entry of water or other substance. It is characterized by a high pitched scream-like sound, and might be frightening for some to witness. Some people suffer from frequent laryngospasms, whether awake or asleep. In an ear, nose and throat practice, it is typically seen in people who have silent reflux disease. It is also a well known, infrequent but serious post-surgery complication.
[edit] Etiology
It is associated with use of ketamine (an anesthetic). The spasm can happen often without any provocation.
[edit] Treatment
Laryngospasm in the operating room is treated by administering oxygen. In more serious cases it may require intubation and ventilation. If orotracheal intubation is not possible a cricothyroidotomy is done to create an airway.
In ear, nose and throat practices, it is treated by examining the patient in the office and reassuring the patient that laryngospasm resolves. Sometimes reflux medication is used to reduce the acidity in the stomach.
[edit] External links
- laryngospasm - gpnotebook.co.uk
- Ketamine: Emergency Applications (eMedicine.com) - discusses laryngospasm.
- Information for patients with laryngospasm - voicedoctor.net
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