Don't let laryngospasm take you by surprise

Sudden paroxysmal involuntary contraction of the muscles of the larynx – laryngospasm – most often occurs in children and can be life-threatening. The danger is due to the fact that laryngospasm leads to a narrowing or complete closure of the glottis. Each person should know what symptoms may indicate the presence of laryngospasm in children and adults, and also be aware of the first aid that must be given to a person before an ambulance arrives. What you need to know about laryngospasm?

Laryngospasm – causes of appearance in children and adults  

The causes of laryngospasm are somewhat different in children and adults. Laryngospasm in children can occur for the following reasons:

• bronchopneumonia;
• spasmophilia;
• chorea;
• infectious diseases;
• disturbance of metabolic processes;
• rickets;
• hydrocephalus;
• irritants in the air we breathe;
• pathological changes in the respiratory organs;
• injection of drugs into the nose;
• postpartum trauma; e
• vitamin D deficiency;
• calcium deficiency, etc.
• Causes of laryngospasm in adults can be:
• the effect of drugs on the larynx;
• diseases of the respiratory organs;
• gallbladder disease;
• inflammatory processes occurring in the larynx;
• esophagus and neck tumors;
• goiter;
• Aortic aneurysm;
• stress;
• hysteria;
• tetanus, etc.

Symptoms of laryngospasm in children and adults

Laryngospasm in children often begins abruptly during coughing, laughing, crying or fright. Symptoms of laryngospasm in children may include:

• breathing becomes difficult, noisy and wheezing;
• skin turns pale or blue;
• neck muscles tighten;
• cold sweat appears;
• pulse becomes thready;
• child opens mouth wide and tilts head back;
• Temporary cessation of breathing may occur. 

Mild cases of laryngospasm in children go away after a few seconds, after which the child takes a deep breath.

Severe cases of laryngospasm are more dangerous as they can be accompanied by loss of consciousness, incontinence, convulsions and eventually death.

Laryngospasm – cause of death by drowning on land

Doctors have said that about a percent or two of drowning deaths occur on land. At the same time, already rescued people can die within 24 hours after the incident. Laryngospasm, which is said to be the cause of these deaths, occurs due to irritation of the larynx and respiratory tract by water that has entered the respiratory organs during drowning. Asphyxia caused by such causes most often kills children, but can also be observed in adults.

Since not every person can accurately identify the symptoms of laryngospasm, it is very important to seek the help of medical specialists in time – this will help save the life of a drowning survivor.

First aid for laryngospasm in children and adults

1. Reassure the victim.
2. Open access to fresh air, the lack of which is observed with muscle spasm.
3. Give victim water and/or splash cold water on face.
4. A pat on the back.
5. Tickle the victim's nose.
6. For laryngospasm, it is also recommended to hold your breath.
7. Try to induce a gag reflex.
8. Let the victim breathe ammonia.
9. In case of protracted seizures – heat bath and 0.5% potassium bromide solution inside (1 tsp. 2 times a day).

Tracheal intubation or tracheotomy is performed by qualified specialists.

In any case, remember that in case of laryngospasm, you must definitely call an ambulance!