Vocal Frenulum Spasm (Laryngospasm): Causes

Pathogenesis (development of disease)

Laryngospasm is caused by closure of the glottis (voice-forming part of the larynx) due to reflex constriction (tightening) of the laryngeal muscles. Glottis closure may be complete or partial.

Etiology (Causes)

Behavioral causes

  • Parental smoking

Disease-related causes

Respiratory system (J00-J99)

  • Airway irritation caused by airway protection (endotracheal tube, laryngeal mask), suctioning, secretions, or irritant gases
  • Acute respiratory infections
  • Pulmonary diseases, including bronchial asthma
  • Condition after respiratory infections

Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E90).

  • Hypopcalcemia (calcium deficiency).

Infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99).

  • Rabies (rabies)

Pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium (O00-O99).

  • Eclampsia – pregnancy-related disorder associated with seizures (without the presence of epilepsy).

Symptoms and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings not elsewhere classified (R00-R99)

  • Spasmophilia (latent tetany).
  • Tetany – hyperexcitability of the muscles in the absence of calcium ions.

Injuries, poisonings, and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T98).

  • Inhalation toxins – harmful substances (noxious agents) that are ingested in the form of dusts or gases by inhalation.
    • Essential oils (mainly in infants and young children).
    • Aerosols; esp. water droplets in divers (see below “dry drowning“).
  • Manipulation in the laryngeal region in awake patients.
  • Dry drowning – due toasphyxiation of a diver with laryngeal spasm (often a consequence of the spasm); usually triggered by inhaled drops of water

Other causes

  • Aspiration (e.g., inhalation of foreign bodies).
  • Bronchoscopy (bronchoscopy of the lungs)
  • Inhalation anesthesia – anesthesia conducted with the help of anesthetic gases; here, during induction or withdrawal of anesthesia (as a complication) – because during intubation (insertion of a tube through the mouth or nose into the pharynx or up to the trachea) or extubation (removal of the tube), manipulation and excitation (excitation) of the airways is registered – in:
  • Electroshock treatment
  • Insufficient suction before extubation (of mucus, blood).

Medication