Seven Cases of Laryngospasms in Everyday Life.

DOI Web Site 1 Citations 13 References

Bibliographic Information

Other Title
  • 日常生活中の反復性喉頭けいれん発作の７例
  • ニチジョウ セイカツ チュウ ノ ハンプクセイ コウトウ ケイレン ホッサ ノ 7レイ

Search this article

Abstract

We report 7 cases of acute and recurrent inspiratory dyspnea in which no organic cause could be identified. Patients were from 12 to 68 years old (43.6 in average), consisting of five males and two females. In three of the seven cases, fiberoptic laryngoscopy during an attack of dyspnea revealed laryngospasms following symmetric adduction of the vocal cords. Each patient experienced loud, stridorous noise during inspiration at the beginning of an attack as well as the subsequent inability to inspire. The attacks ranged from several tenths of a second to a few minutes in duration and occurred frequently, several times a day in some cases. Results of physical examinations, lung function tests, roentgenograms of the chest and larynx, and CTs of the lungs and the neck were unremarkable. Laboratory findings including blood gas analysis between attacks were within normal limits. No atopic stigmata were found.<br>Drinking water or swallowing could sometimes relieve the grade of the attack, and the patient could completely prevent attacks once they understood the condition of the dyspnea and mastered a breathing maneuver during the attack. Previous upper respiratory infection, cough, and sleep apnea were suggested to correlate with the episodes. Our patients did not require drastic maneuvers such as tracheostomy or intubation. Administration of Eperisone hydrochloride and Etizolam proved effective in some cases.<br>Laryngospasm as a cause of recurrent inspiratory dyspnea is functional, and we suspect that it is not such a rare occurrence. An awareness of this entity could prevent unnecessary tracheotomies.

Journal

Citations (1)*help

See more

References(13)*help

See more

Keywords

Details 詳細情報について

Report a problem

Back to top