Had my first Laryngospasm on Sat 17th at 05:00 where I woke choking and unable to breathe. I really panicked and my wife called 999. The ambulance arrived just as I was able to breathe again but they stayed with me for 45 minutes and checked my signs - oxygen levels normal blood pressure elevated but expected. They told me it was a Laryngospasm which was a natural response to breathing something into the lung. On Saturday night I went to bed and woke at 12:00 with the same symptoms where my wife called 999 but we were able to get it under control.
I went to the out of hours GP at hospital who prescribed me with PPI's she basically checked my chest and back with a stethoscope and said my lungs were ok.
I had another episode on Sunday night and Sunday morning so I went back to the OOH GP who then prescribed a nasal spray which did nothing.
I had another spasm on Tuesday in the morning and then went to my GP who prescribed me with Prednisolone 30 mg for 6 days. These have not helped and I read that they can cause Laryngospasm
About 5 weeks ago I had a chest infection with green mucus which I kept bringing up but continued to work as I was extremely busy, the mucus went yellow to clear, then on Saturday 21st I went to a curry house but ended up with severe sickness on Sunday morning then diahorrea on Monday which burnt my bottom like anything and was bright orange.
A few days later I start with these spasms which have plagued me since.
My confidence has been knocked and I am terrified that I have these for life
I finish the Prednisolone on Sunday 4th September so I am waiting to see what happens after that.
I can only sleep bolt upright on a v-pillow which gives me back ache.
I have been a runner for 25 years and kept very fit, never been overweight, smoked or drank huge amounts.
Hope to hear from someone just so I don't feel so alone.
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17 Replies
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Hi Steve I can't really help with ur problem, I do know coughing is a natural body response to remove or dislodge something ie: mucus, ( maybe ur infection is still there and triggered more when u lie down, or even swallowing air or spit down the wrong hole as they say can cause coughing bouts, sorry that's the best I've got 😔 but just wanted to let u know ur not alone, and hopefully someone will be to give u more helpful advice. Take care xx Sonia xx
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I do still have mucus which is very thick and can be impossible to cough up without it getting stuck. I am trying Benylin Mucus formula and Throat and chest lozenges, breathing in steam with Eucalyptus.
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Hopefully something out of that list will help, an old remedy I was told to help break up mucas is lemonade, I don't really suffer with mucas but my mom swears by it, worth a try xx Sonia xx
That sounds terrifying both you and your poor wife must have had a terrible shock. I really don't know much about Laryngospasm but from what I do know some causes include asthma,allergies, exercise, irritants like dust or smoke or GERD. The vocal chords literally seize up. Also have you had surgery? Sometimes the anaesthetic can irritate the vocal chords.
I think you'd probably have to work with your GP to look at all the possible causes. I'm sorry things are so hard right now. I'm sorry not to be more helpful. I look forward to seeing an update at some point.
No surgery at all ever. I am wondering if the lingering infection in my chest has irritated the vocal cords in some way as the mucus has been there for a while.
When I pluck up the courage I have a big cough, sometimes I am lucky and bring some up and feel better about it and sometimes I end up bringing on another spasm.
I have purchased some magnesium Citrate from a well know vitamins shop as I have read it can help with muscle problems but I am waiting until I finish the Prednisolone on Sunday as I am not sure if I can take them alongside the steroids.
I have calmed myself down as I started reading all the forums - most in the US and got myself in a tiz.
Oh Steve no tiz please. 😊Infection very big possibility. With all the extra mucous. If that gets under control it may get better. I really hope it gets better really, really soon. xx 🐾
I don't think I helped myself for a few months before all this as I allowed myself to become depressed due to the usual work stress thing and didn't address it properly, it went on for a few months so maybe my immune system took a hit?
Oh I know all about wonky immune systems mine is totally out of whack so yes. Definitely could be a factor. I find I have all sorts of ailments due to my lack of immune system!!
I think becoming depressed sometimes just creeps up on us. We think we're okay and can handle things but not really. You shouldn't blame yourself. The important thing is you're getting support now and addressing the depression. Believe me, it gets the best of us! xx 🐶
Hi Softree, I am supposed to be having a rest from this site for personal reasons but really feel that you need the help. So let's ana lyse this.
1 the chest infection. You say that you feel there is still gunk trapped down inthe lungs. This means that your infection hasn't gone. It needs to be knocked on the head and most importantly that rubbish down there has to come out to prevent the infection feeding on itself. Go back to your GP about the chest infection and get more and stronger antibiotics which hopefull will do that job. As you are not a nebuliser user I also recommend that you do the old fashioned thing of putting your head over a bowl of steaming water with a towel over your head. This should help to loosen the gunk so that you can cough it up. It may also soothe your vocal chords.
2 The Laryngospasm This can be caused by the strain of coughing with a chest infection
It can also be caused by stomach acid coming up and irritating or even damaging the vocal chords. Given your experience at the restaurant and afterwards I am tempted to suspect that this caused the backwash of acid which has led to the rare and frightening laryngospasm. Maybe you need something to calm down this response. You may just have to wait until your vocal chords heal. Your GP is the best person to explore this with.
I hope that helped. Good luck. I am now going back under my duvet!
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Thanks for you advice Stillstanding63 I will get back to my GP on Monday and let him know the chest infection is still there, I brought some up just know and it was yellow again.
I thank god that I found this site and that you all for your time to reply.
I will keep you updated.
Can't thank you enough
Steve x
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You're welcome Steve. I also realised that you had been sick after the restaurant. This could have burnt your vocal chords as much as it burnt your bum! Hope you are on the mend on all fronts soon.
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HI Stillstanding63
I didn't have chance to see the doc today but I have made an appointment for later this week. I woke up again last night but brought it under control by relaxing. I did make myself a warm lemon and honey drink just now and 'boy Oh boy' did that sting the left side of the back of my throat. It was like a hot needle. I will get to see the doc asap this week as I am scared to lye down and sleep sitting up.
I have now finished the Prednisolone 30mg a day and can honestly say there has been no difference although I have read that Prednisolone can cause Laryngospasm in some trials?
I am just hoping to clears up.
I'll keep you updated.
in reply to
Let's hope that it is beginning tocalm down. I don't know much about steroids because I don't take them. Let me know how you get on with the doc.
Just wanted to say hi and welcome Softree, I can't help with that one, must have been scary tough, both for you and your wife. I'm sure some of our knowledgeable members will be along shortly and hopefully put your mind at rest. Take care S. Xx
I didn't have chance to see the doc today but I have made an appointment for later this week. I woke up again last night but brought it under control by relaxing. I did make myself a warm lemon and honey drink just now and 'boy Oh boy' did that sting the left side of the back of my throat. It was like a hot needle. I will get to see the doc asap this week as I am scared to lye down and sleep sitting up.
I have now finished the Prednisolone 30mg a day and can honestly say there has been no difference although I have read that Prednisolone can cause Laryngospasm in some trials?
I feel for you - I get laryngospasm too and it is as though my end has come every time. Mine is invariably during deep sleep and it is indescribably terrifying. It is known to be caused by reflux - silent or otherwise. My resp consultant comfortably tells me that it is rarely serious but it's hard to be reassured in the dead of night when you can't draw breath. I doubt steroids are helping the laryngospasm as they predispose to reflux and weakness of all muscle groups - including those of the oesophagus. A hefty dose of PPI's for a prolonged period has helped mine immensely as has avoiding sleeping on my right side (something to do with the anatomy of the digestive & respiratory equipment). Try very hard to remain calm and count to 10 or something similar and your breathing should resume normally. Much like you, I am fit (well, fairly fit), slim, non smoker etc so hopefully yours will improve too. Oh, you need to avoid spicy, fatty foods too and never eat large meals nor late in the evening.
Hope this helps a little. You're certainly not alone but I think it is often under recognised and under diagnosed. Certainly my GP and Rheumy had never heard of it. Take care and try not to worry. Clare x
Hi, just been looking into this frightening subject after having my first attack last week after a deep cough. Had previously picked up this 'racking cough' virus that has been going around few weeks back and it was while feeling like I needed to clear my throat by coughing, suddenly realised I couldn't breath at all, in or out. Thought I was a gonner until it cleared after 20 seconds or so but that was the longest 20 seconds I've ever experienced. Trip to casualty, chest xrays, bloods only revealed slight white cell elevation due to fighting virus. Had another laryngospasm as nurse was handing me the meds but no one advised me what the hell was going on. They put me on Prednisolone 5mg for a week (8 tablets in morning) but I'm not convinced they've done squat. Also on nexium to protect stomach from these steroids. Been reading up on the subject and there is a reference to low magnesium levels causing over-reaction and muscle spasm. Looking for medical, peer reviewed data to back this up because apart from this cough, I've been fit and well, no allergies, no other health issues.
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