Laryngospasm: What causes it?

Laryngospasm is a brief spasm of the vocal cords that temporarily interrupts speech and breathing. Often the cause can't be determined. But laryngospasm can be associated with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Laryngospasm is unrelated to bronchospasm, which occurs in asthma.

Laryngospasm happens suddenly and usually lasts 30 to 60 seconds. During this time, you may experience great difficulty breathing through the upper airways in your voice box (larynx). Though laryngospasm can be frightening, your vocal cords eventually relax without causing serious problems.

There's no effective medication to relax the vocal cords more quickly. However, sitting down and trying to relax your whole body during an episode may speed recovery.

If GERD is the cause of laryngospasms, treatment of GERD can significantly reduce the number and severity of episodes.