Sleep-related laryngospasm refers to laryngospasm during sleep that can be terrifying for the patient.
The patient presents with a history of waking up from sleep with respiratory distress and a choking sensation.
The patient may have:
(1) stridorous breathing
(2) panic
(3) tachycardia
The episodes often last less than a minute.
Many patients have gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) with the acid triggering the spasm. In these patients treatment of the reflux disease resolves the laryngospasm.
Differential diagnosis:
(1) severe asthma with bronchospasm
(2) food or other allergy with angioedema
(3) viral infection
(4) bacterial infection including diphtheria
(5) aspiration
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
