Sleep-related laryngospasm - advice please

[Cazz17]

Hi, I have suffered laryngospasm for four years. I was a deputy head and for two years I had to cover long-term absent teachers in addition to performing my own role, and I consistently worked 80 to 100 hour weeks. Finally, I went down with exhaustion, flu, pneumonia, laryngospasm and (with the additional problem that my boss then decided I was of no use and began her campaign of bullying) I began to have mental health issues (two distinct mental breakdowns) with phobias (agoraphobia and claustrophobia). Over time, other issues shown through blood tests were neutropenia, anemia and vitamin D deficiency. With good investigation and support from the Royal Brompton Hospital, I began to understand my condition and manage my day time attacks better, though I do this mostly by just not going out of my house, as beyond my front door is where I feel most stressed and stress and tiredness seem to cause my throat to close. I equally find anyone, even a relative, coming into my house tiring and a challenge and this also causes my throat to close. From May 2016, I began to suffer laryngospasm in my sleep from not coping with the work and stress of fighting my employers (a fight I had to abandon). I would come around from an attack with the sound of someone who has been drowning. Now my night-time laryngospasm, a regular feature, has become part of a recurring dream that acknowledges that I am unable to breathe, but tells me to breathe in deeply to undo the blockage, which of course does not solve the problem. My husband can see I have stopped breathing or I am struggling and he wakes me up; if he was not there, I do not think I would wake up to open my airways and I would die. I am wondering if anyone else a bit further down the line of where I am with sleep-related laryngospasm can give me any advice, please, on anything I should be doing.

[Hidden]

Have you been diagnosed with larngospasm from an ent consultant at all xxx

[Cazz17 in reply to Hidden]

Yes by specialists at St Helier and Royal Brompton

[Hidden in reply to Cazz17]

Hi Cazz I'm really sorry to hear of your troubles seems one thing has a knock on effect to your diagnosis ....have you been shown how to deep breath when the spasm happens or massage the larynx I know it's occurrng through your sleep pattern seems to me you need to speak to somone in a professional capacity that's going to help you long term with your conditions and it's possible your GP can advise referral to somone with that capacity ...i remember you breath in through your nose gently and stick your tongue out past your teeth as this stretches the vocal cord aiding the spasm xx

[Cazz17 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for your reply, Angie. In the day time, I will sniff, and if I catch it while it is closing, this seems quickly effective. When it is totally closed, I mostly still sniff (though feel more panicked), and I seem forced to cough finally too. Nobody has mentioned massaging the larynx. I will try this. Do you have laryngospasm?

[Hidden in reply to Cazz17]

No I don't have it ..have you had therapy and a regime of exercises given to you in the past for it at all xxx

[Cazz17 in reply to Hidden]

Royal Brompton were amazing - I had physio and learned how to breathe properly - through my nose and using the bottom of my lung too (where I had less function) and I had the SALT specialist go through some exercises. I had an overnight stay there too and so various things such as GERD were ruled out as a cause. I noted the tongue stretch, after I re-read your reply. I have already begun to rehearse that exercise and will use it - my attacks are at least daily and nightly, and so I appreciate your reply so much.

[Hidden in reply to Cazz17]

Your welcome might be an idea if your still having physio or call them regarding laryngeal massage just a precaution dont attempt until you have sought advice on it ...its something I learned in a past life as a singer and your welcome sorry can't help you more good luck keep me posted on how you get on xxx

[Cazz17 in reply to Hidden]

I will do. Singers really do have neat tricks for breathing correctly. It took me quite a few goes and a very patient physio at the Royal Brompton to learn how to breathe properly. I appreciate all of your replies. I hope you have a good day.

[Hidden in reply to Cazz17]

It was for relaxing the cords during the high notes that I can't reach anymore lol and also drains the lymphs surrounding the larynx I hope you get some resolve in your situation good luck stay in touch Angie xxx

[mrsmummy]

Why not give the BLF helpline a call on 03000 030 555 (office hours) to make sure all your options are clear to you. Welcome to the forum.

[Cazz17 in reply to mrsmummy]

MrsM, Thank you so much. I did not know I could do that.

[knitter]

Hi cazz, I too was a teacher and after contracting double pneumonia I was diagnosed as asthmatic. I get bronchospasm at times.

I know teachers have to use the voice a lot , often having to project it so that all can hear.

Someone suggested that I may be over breathing or hyperventilating, partly as a result of all that full lung speaking, on top of the effect of stress .

I tried breathing gently through the nose, low into a relaxed diaphragm area....belly breathing...without a tight upper chest which may cause tension. Over breathing may cause anxiety too, I can get into a vicious circle easily if I don't gentle breathe.

Relaxation exercises and meditation have helped me, and I have been looking at CBT too.

I hope you find some relief soon. Take care

[Cazz17 in reply to knitter]

Hi Knitter

Thank you for your reply.

So many similar aspects. I had double pneumonia which has left scarring on my lungs and then with the onset of laryngospasm I was initially incorrectly diagnosed as being asthmatic, but the pumps simply did not help and I can actually feel my throat close. I was lucky for my referral to St Helier Hospital and Royal Brompton Hospital to identify laryngospasm, which is actually easier to deal with than asthma. My issue now is really that my breathing is cut off at night time in deep sleep.

It's interesting that you too do the belly breathing - I had to learn how to breathe 'properly' and not superficially with coaching from an amazing physio from the RBH. And the gentle breathing through the nose is the way to open up the airways when you are awake.

I do agree over-breathing and panic with any breathing attack is really not helpful. I found a first lot of CBT where some of my misconceptions could be successfully challenged really helpful, but not after.

I will definitely try to do some relaxation exercises - I will look online tomorrow, and I appreciate your help.

I hope it all goes well for you.

Best wishes, Caz