A throat spasm is an involuntary contraction of the muscles within the throat, most commonly the laryngeal muscles that control the vocal cords. These rapid contractions, known as laryngospasms, cause the vocal cords to momentarily seize up or close. While the event can feel terrifying, the spasm is usually a temporary, protective reflex of the airway. Episodes are frequently benign and resolve quickly without intervention.
What a Throat Spasm Feels Like
The onset of a throat spasm is abrupt, often beginning with a feeling of tightness or a sudden inability to inhale air. This sensation is caused by the vocal cords forcibly snapping together, which blocks the flow of air into the lungs. People frequently describe the experience as a sudden, intense feeling of choking, although no foreign object is lodged in the throat.
During the spasm, it may feel easier to cough or exhale air, but drawing a breath inward becomes extremely difficult or impossible. The struggle to breathe can induce panic, which increases the muscle tension in the throat. As the muscles of the vocal cords slowly begin to relax and open, the person may produce a high-pitched, strained sound known as stridor.
Another common sensation is a feeling of a lump in the throat, known as globus sensation, which is more characteristic of a cricopharyngeal spasm in the upper esophagus. The episode lasts only a few seconds to about a minute, before the muscles release and normal breathing resumes.
Underlying Causes and Common Triggers
The most frequent cause of throat spasms is irritation of the sensitive laryngeal tissues, often due to the backflow of stomach contents. Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) occur when stomach acid travels up the esophagus and irritates the vocal cords. This acid exposure triggers the protective reflex to close the airway, resulting in a spasm.
Other physical irritants include post-nasal drip, allergies, or inhaling environmental irritants such as smoke or fumes. A sudden temperature change, such as gulping very cold air or liquid, can cause the laryngeal muscles to contract. An acute episode can be triggered when food or liquid accidentally goes down “the wrong pipe,” stimulating the airway’s closure reflex.
The nervous system plays a role, as high levels of emotional stress, anxiety, or panic attacks can initiate a spasm. The hyperventilation and extreme muscle tension associated with a panic attack can cause the laryngeal muscles to contract. The subsequent feeling of suffocation then reinforces the panic, creating a cycle that perpetuates the episode.
Simple Techniques for Immediate Relief
When a spasm occurs, remain calm, as anxiety intensifies the muscle contraction. Focus on small, controlled movements of air rather than gasping for a large breath, which often makes the spasm worse. Try to breathe in slowly through the nose and then exhale with pursed lips, which helps to maintain a small, steady flow of air.
The sniff technique involves taking two quick, short sniffs in through the nose, followed by a slow exhale. This action helps to briefly pull the vocal cords apart, interrupting the spasm. Cold liquid can relieve symptoms by washing away irritants and relaxing the muscles; take very small sips of cool water repeatedly until the spasm subsides.
Changing posture can sometimes help, so try to sit upright or stand rather than lying down, especially if the spasm is related to reflux. These techniques focus on overriding the involuntary laryngeal reflex, allowing the muscles to relax and open.
Identifying When to Call a Doctor
While most throat spasms are brief and harmless, certain symptoms require immediate care. Seek immediate care if a spasm lasts longer than a few minutes, if you are completely unable to take a breath, or if you experience accompanying chest pain. A high-pitched, wheezing sound (stridor) during inhalation, particularly if breathing does not return to normal quickly, warrants attention.
If spasms are recurring, they indicate an underlying issue that needs addressing. A healthcare provider can perform tests to determine if the spasms are caused by conditions like LPR, GERD, or an anxiety disorder. Addressing the root cause, such as treating chronic acid reflux, is the most effective way to prevent future episodes.