Laryngospasm

Laryngospasm is involuntary closure of vocal cords causing transient airway obstruction/stridor, often post-extubation, intubation, GERD, irritant inhalation, or hypocalcemia (infants). Clinical: sudden stridor, chest retraction, dyspnea, hypoxia. Treatment: airway; positive-pressure oxygen; jaw thrust; suction; deepen anesthesia; succinylcholine/magnesium if severe; treat cause (hypocalcemia/GERD); monitor; risk of negative-pressure pulmonary edema.

Common Symptoms

Sudden stridor; chest retraction; dyspnea; post-extubation/irritant

Causes and Pathogenesis

Vagal reflex causes adductor vocal-cord spasm and transient airway obstruction.

Treatment

Airway/oxygen; jaw thrust; suction; deepen anesthesia; succinylcholine/magnesium if severe; treat cause

Preventive Measures

Airway management; treat GERD/hypocalcemia; avoid irritants.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the ENT/Anesthesia-Emergency department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.