Treatment of laryngospasm: medicines, folk remedies

Treatment of laryngospasm depends on the nature of its origin. If it is caused by allergic factors, then antihistamines and antiallergic agents are used to relieve it. Bronchodilators, anticonvulsants and other drugs in the form of inhalations, injections or tablets for oral administration are also effective.

Medicines

1. Euphyllin

A medicine used in the treatment of the bronchopulmonary system. It has anti-asthmatic properties and is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Contains the active substance theophylline. Enhances antispasmodic activity, relaxes bronchial muscles, and dilates coronary vessels. It has a diuretic effect and inhibits platelet aggregation.

• Indications for use: bronchial asthma, bronchospasms and laryngospasms of various etiologies. Hypertension in the pulmonary circulation, cardiac asthma, cerebral vascular crises of atherosclerotic origin. Reduction of intracranial pressure, improvement of cerebral circulation. Improvement of renal blood flow.
• Method of administration: orally, intravenously, intramuscularly in microclysters. In acute spasms of the respiratory tract, the drug is administered intravenously, in other cases orally or intramuscularly. The dosage is individual for each patient. On average, adults are prescribed 150 mg after meals 1-3 times a day. The duration of treatment is from several days to months.
• Side effects: digestive disorders, headaches and dizziness, decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, convulsions. Rectal use may cause irritation of the rectal mucosa.
• Contraindications: sudden decrease in blood pressure, paroxysmal tachycardia, extrasystole, epilepsy. Heart failure caused by myocardial infarction, heart rhythm disturbances.

Release form: powder, ampoules of 2.4% solution of 10 ml and 24% solution of 1 ml in packages of 10 pieces, tablets for oral administration of 150 mg in packages of 30 pieces.

2. Spazmalgon

An analgesic with pronounced spasmolytic activity and a combined composition. Contains three active ingredients: metamizole sodium, pitofenone hydrochloride and fenpiverinium bromide. All components enhance each other's action.

• Indications for use: injection solution is used for severe pain caused by smooth muscle spasms. Tablets are prescribed for urinary tract diseases with pain syndrome, inflammatory lesions of the urinary system, urolithiasis. Gastrointestinal tract lesions, cholelithiasis, symptomatic treatment for neuralgia, diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
• Method of administration: tablets are taken orally 1-2 pieces 3-4 times a day. The dosage for injection of the drug should not exceed 10 ml per day. The duration of therapy is determined by the attending physician.
• Side effects: various gastrointestinal disorders, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, anemia. Headaches and dizziness, visual impairment, difficulty urinating. Skin allergic reactions.
• Contraindications: individual intolerance to the components of the drug, suspected surgical pathologies. Disorders of the hematopoietic system, renal/hepatic insufficiency, prostate adenoma with urination disorders, pregnancy and lactation, patients under 15 years of age.
• Overdose manifests itself as metamizole intoxication combined with cholinolytic effects. Possible development of toxic-allergic syndrome, gastrointestinal and central nervous system disorders. There is no specific antidote. Gastric lavage and enterosorbent intake are indicated.

Release form: injection solution in ampoules of 2 and 5 ml, 5 pieces per package. Tablets for oral administration, 10 pieces per blister, two blisters per package.

3. Baralgin

An antispasmodic drug that relaxes the smooth muscles of blood vessels and internal organs. It has pronounced antispasmodic and analgesic properties.

• Indications for use: spasms of smooth muscles of various organs.
• Method of administration: orally 1-2 capsules 2-3 times a day. In particularly severe cases, intramuscular or slow intravenous administration is indicated.
• Side effects: allergic reactions of varying severity.
• Contraindications: granulocytopenia, tachyarrhythmia, coronary circulatory insufficiency, glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy.

Release form: 20 tablets per package, 5 ml ampoules, 5 pieces per pack.

4. Pulmicort

Synthetic glucocorticosteroid for inhalation use. Blocks the synthesis of bronchoconstrictor and proinflammatory substances, enhances the bronchodilator effect of adrenergic agents, suppresses neurogenic inflammation. Reduces bronchial blood flow and the synthesis of nitric oxide, which stimulates bronchospasm. Has low systemic activity, the level of binding to plasma proteins is minimal.

• Indications for use: bronchial asthma, severe respiratory failure due to bronchospasms or laryngospasms, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The method of administration and dosage are selected for each patient individually. When using a suspension for inhalation through a nebulizer, 1000-2000 mcg per day is prescribed for adults. The maintenance dose is 500-4000 mcg per day. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease.
• Side effects: oropharyngeal candidiasis, irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, increased dryness in the mouth, cough. Nervousness, depression, clouded consciousness. Skin allergic reactions and symptoms of systemic action of glucocorticosteroids.
• Contraindications: intolerance to the components of the drug, patients under 6 months of age. Prescribed with caution for active and inactive tuberculosis, liver cirrhosis, bacterial, fungal or viral diseases of the respiratory system. Use during pregnancy is possible for strict medical indications.
• Overdose: hypercorticism, adrenal suppression, arterial hypertension, muscle weakness, amenorrhea. In case of chronic overdose, gradual reduction of the drug dose until its complete withdrawal is indicated.

Release form: suspension for inhalation through a nebulizer - 2 ml containers, 20 pieces per package. Inhaler for 100, 200 doses.

5. Adrenaline Hydrochloride

A drug that acts primarily on the peripheral nervous system. It causes vasoconstriction of the mucous membranes and skin, abdominal organs, and also constricts skeletal muscle vessels. Increases blood pressure.

• Indications for use: acute attacks of bronchial asthma, laryngospasm, collapse, hypoglycemia, acute drug allergic reactions, increased intraocular pressure. Ventricular fibrillation, vasoconstrictor in ophthalmology and otolaryngology practice.
• Method of administration: intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intravenously. The recommended dosage is 0.3 ml, 0.5 ml, 0.75 ml of 0.1% solution. For glaucoma, use a 1-2% solution in drops. For ventricular fibrillation, the drug is administered intracardiacly.
• Side effects: increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, angina attacks, abnormal heart rhythms.
• Contraindications: arterial hypertension, pregnancy, endocrine diseases, atherosclerosis. Not used with fluorothane or cyclopropane anesthesia.

Release form: 0.1% solution in 1 ml ampoules in a package of 6 pieces, 30 ml bottles.

6. Fenkarol

A derivative of quinuclidylcarbinol, reduces the impact of histamine on organs and systems. In terms of duration of action and antihistamine activity, it is superior to Diphenhydramine. It promotes relaxation of intestinal smooth muscles, has a moderate antiserotonin effect. It weakens the hypotensive effect of histamine and its impact on capillary permeability.

• Indications for use: infectious-allergic reactions with bronchospastic components, angioedema, hay fever, food and drug allergies, acute and chronic urticaria, dermatoses, allergic rhinopathy.
• Method of administration: orally after meals. Single dose for adults 25-30 mg 4 times a day, maximum daily 200 mg. Duration of treatment 10-20 days.
• Side effects: moderate dryness of the oral mucosa, dyspeptic disorders. In patients with gastrointestinal diseases, side effects are more pronounced.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, first trimester of pregnancy.
• Overdose: dry mucous membranes, nausea and vomiting, headaches, dizziness, dyspeptic disorders. Treatment is symptomatic with drug withdrawal.

Release form: tablets for oral administration, 20 pieces per package.

7. Atropine sulfate

A cholinolytic drug acting primarily in the peripheral M-cholinergic reactive systems. Blocks M and H-cholinergic receptors. Reduces secretion of bronchial, salivary and sweat glands. Causes increased heart rate and reduces tone of smooth muscle organs. Promotes pupil dilation and may provoke an increase in intraocular pressure.

• Indications for use: prevention of bronchospasms and laryngospasms during anesthesia during surgery, limitation of secretion of salivary and bronchial glands. Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, pylorospasms, cholelithiasis, spasms of the intestines and urinary tract. Bronchial asthma, bradycardia, smooth muscle spasms.
• The method of application and dosage depend on the indications, therefore they are selected by the attending physician individually for each patient. In case of spasm of the larynx or bronchi, the medicine is used in the form of a finely dispersed aerosol. 0.25 ml of 0.1% solution is inhaled for 2-4 minutes.
• Side effects: dry mouth, headaches and dizziness, tachycardia, difficulty urinating, impaired visual perception and dilated pupils, loss of intestinal tone.
• Contraindications: increased intracranial pressure, urination disorders due to prostate adenoma.

Release form: 1% solution of eye drops in a 5 ml bottle, powder, 1 ml ampoules of 0.1% solution. Eye films of 0.16 mg, 30 pieces per package.

Dexamethasone for laryngospasm

A medicinal product from the pharmacotherapeutic category of glucocorticosteroid hormones. Dexamethasone has a pronounced antiallergic and anti-inflammatory effect. Effect on carbohydrate and protein metabolism in the body.

• Indications for use: a sharp drop in blood pressure, toxemia, vascular collapse, meningococcal infection, septicemia, diphtheria, eclampsia. Asthmatic status, laryngeal edema and spasms, dermatosis, acute anaphylactic reaction to drugs, pyrogenic reactions and other emergency allergic conditions.
• Method of administration: orally, intramuscularly, intravenously. In the acute period, the doses of the drug are higher, as the therapeutic effect is achieved, they are reduced. In the first days, take 10-15 mg per day, the maintenance dose is 2-5 mg per day. For allergic diseases - 2-3 mg for a short period of time. The duration of treatment is individual for each patient.
• Side effects: edema, erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, bleeding with vomiting, hiccups and bloating due to incorrectly selected dosage. Hypersensitivity reactions, skin rashes, itching, angioedema. Sleep disorders, euphoria, hallucinations.
• Contraindications: intolerance to the components of the drug, fungal infections, Cushing's syndrome, blood clotting disorder, gastric and duodenal ulcers, osteoporotic conditions, ophthalmologic diseases, tuberculosis, venereal diseases. Renal failure, cirrhosis, hepatitis, mental disorders, epilepsy, pregnancy and lactation.

Release form: tablets for oral administration of 0.5 mg, 50 pieces per package. Ampoules for intravenous and intramuscular administration of 4 mg dexamethasone, 5 pieces per package.

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Prednisolone for laryngospasm

A synthetic analogue of hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex. It has pronounced antiallergic, antiexudative, antishock, anti-inflammatory and antitoxic properties.

• Indications for use: collagenoses, rheumatism, bronchial asthma, spasm of the larynx and trachea, infectious nonspecific polyarthritis, infectious mononucleosis, neurodermatitis, eczema, Addison's disease, hemolytic anemia, collapse. Allergic conjunctivitis, corneal inflammation, eye injuries.
• Method of administration: orally, intravenously, intramuscularly. The dosage of the drug is selected individually for each patient. In acute conditions, take 20-30 mg per day, the maintenance dose is 5-10 mg per day. In shock conditions and severe respiratory failure, the drug is administered intravenously slowly or drip by 30-90 mg. The duration of therapy is determined by the attending physician.
• Side effects: weight change, hirsutism, osteoporosis, acne, Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome, ulcerative gastrointestinal lesions, hyperglycemia, mental disorders. Adrenal insufficiency, decreased resistance to infections. Withdrawal syndrome is possible with abrupt discontinuation of the drug after long-term therapy.
• Contraindications: intolerance to the components of the drug, severe hypertension, diabetes mellitus, Itsenko-Cushing's disease, pregnancy and lactation, acute endocarditis, psychosis, active tuberculosis, ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum, recent operations, elderly patients.
• Overdose: acute toxic effects, increased side effects. There is no specific antidote, treatment is symptomatic.

Release form: tablets for oral administration of 1, 5, 20 and 50 mg in packages of 100 pieces. Ampoules of 23 and 30 mg in 1 ml, 3 pieces per package. Ointment 0.5% in tubes of 10 g, eye ointment of 10 ml.

Berodual for laryngospasm

Has pronounced bronchodilator properties. Contains a complex of active components: fenoterol and ipratropium bromide. Berodual increases the effectiveness of bronchodilator therapy in case of increased tone of bronchial muscles.

• Indications for use: respiratory failure of various etiologies, emphysematous bronchitis, bronchopulmonary diseases with bronchospasms, increased sensitivity of the bronchi. Acute attacks of bronchial asthma. Preparation of the respiratory tract for aerosol administration of medications.
• Method of administration: for adults and children over 3 years old – 1-2 doses of aerosol 3 times a day. In case of risk of respiratory failure – 2 doses of aerosol, repeated after 2 hours. The inhalation solution is used 2-8 drops 3-6 times a day every 2-3 hours. The duration of therapy is individual for each patient.
• Side effects: increased dryness of the oral mucosa, tremors of the extremities, increased heart rate, impaired visual perception, increased irregular heartbeat.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, pregnancy and lactation. Not used simultaneously with xanthine derivatives, non-cardioselective beta-blockers.

Release form: metered-dose aerosol and inhalation solution in 20 ml bottles.

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Salbutamol for laryngospasm

Stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors of the bronchi, has a pronounced bronchodilator effect that lasts up to 8 hours. Salbutamol is used for bronchial asthma, inflammation of the bronchi, and respiratory failure due to a sharp narrowing of the trachea or larynx.

• The method of administration and dosage depend on the form of release of the medicine. Orally to expand the lumen of the bronchi take 2-4 mg 3-4 times a day. If necessary, the dosage can be increased to 8 mg 4 times a day. Inhalations are used to relieve acute attacks of bronchial asthma, laryngospasms, bronchospasms. Aerosol is used 0.1-0.2 mg 3-4 times a day (1 dose - 0.1 mg). The medicine in the form of a solution for inhalation 2.5 mg 3-4 times a day.
• Side effects: muscle tremors, dilation of peripheral vessels, increased heart rate.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to active components, arterial hypertension, pregnancy, paroxysmal tachycardia.

Release form: capsules of 2.4 mg, prolonged-release tablets of 4.8 mg. Syrup in 5 ml bottles, metered-dose aerosol, powder for inhalation, solution for inhalation in 2 ml ampoules and injection solution.

Teopek for laryngospasm

A systemic agent for obstructive respiratory diseases. Stimulates the central nervous system, increases myocardial contractility. Promotes dilation of peripheral, coronary and renal vessels. Has a moderate diuretic effect, prevents platelet aggregation. Has a bronchodilator effect.

• Indications for use: bronchospasms, laryngospasms and other conditions in which it is necessary to expand the lumen of the bronchi and restore breathing. Bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive bronchitis, obstructive pulmonary emphysema.
• Method of administration: orally, with water. In the first days of treatment, take 150-300 mg 1-2 times a day at intervals of 12-24 hours. Subsequently, a single dose can be increased to 300 mg 2 times a day. The optimal dosage and duration of treatment is determined by the attending physician.
• Side effects: headaches and dizziness, tachycardia, increased anxiety, sleep and appetite disturbances, nausea, vomiting, pain in the epigastric region, allergic reactions. Similar symptoms occur in case of overdose. There is no specific antidote, treatment is symptomatic.
• Contraindications: individual intolerance to the components of the drug, hyperthyroidism, acute myocardial infarction, non-inflammatory lesion of the muscle tissue of the left ventricle of the heart, epilepsy and convulsive states. Pregnancy and lactation. It is prescribed with caution in case of ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum.

Release form: tablets for oral administration, 40, 50 pieces per package.

Naphthyzin for laryngospasm

A drug from the pharmacological group of short-acting decongestants for local use. Causes narrowing of peripheral blood vessels, dilates pupils, increases blood pressure. Has a local anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictive effect.

• Indications for use: inflammation of the nasal mucosa, inflammation of the maxillary sinuses, allergic conjunctivitis, stopping nosebleeds.
• Method of application: locally 1-2 drops of 0.05 or 0.1% solution in the nasal passage 2-4 times a day. For conjunctivitis 1-2 drops of 0.05% solution. For bleeding - tampons soaked in 0.05% solution. To relieve laryngospasm, Naphthyzinum is dripped onto the root of the tongue 1-2 drops. The medicine is used for inhalation 1 ml of drops with 1 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride solution (saline).
• Contraindications: intolerance to active components, arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, tachycardia. Side effects include headaches and increased heart rate.

Release form: 0.1% and 0.05% solution in 10 ml vials.

Vitamins

Spasms and cramps are involuntary contractions of a muscle or muscle groups. They can be caused by various reasons. Their frequency of occurrence increases significantly under the influence of irritating factors. For laryngospasms, these are stressful situations, hypothermia, allergens, and much more. One of the important components of treating such attacks is vitamin therapy. It is aimed at strengthening the body and immune system.

To prevent spasmodic attacks, it is necessary to take the following vitamins and microelements:

• B1 – is responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses. Participates in the activation of enzymes that supply tissues, including muscle tissue, with oxygen.
• B2 – prevents muscle cramps, participates in the transmission of electrical impulses in the cell. Necessary for the proper functioning of the sodium-potassium pump, which is responsible for the conduction of nerve impulses.
• B6 – prevents the development of convulsions in children and adults. Participates in the process of hematopoiesis.
• B12 – cyanocobalamin deficiency can provoke night spasms of various localizations. The vitamin regulates blood supply to tissues and participates in enzymatic processes.
• D – increases the absorption of calcium and magnesium, the deficiency of which causes spasms.
• E-tocopherol has a vasodilating effect, reduces blood viscosity, and normalizes blood flow.
• Magnesium is the main anticonvulsant substance. Prevents calcium from entering the cell, as its high level causes spasms. Stops muscle spasms, participates in the work of the potassium-sodium pump.
• Potassium and sodium are the main components of the potassium-sodium ion, which regulates the process of transmitting nerve impulses and maintains osmotic pressure in the cell. Deficiency of these elements leads to frequent spasms and general muscle weakness.

To supply the body with the above substances, it is necessary to take multivitamin preparations and adhere to a balanced diet. The menu must necessarily include dairy products, poultry, and greens.

Physiotherapy treatment

Another component of the complex treatment of laryngospasms in adults is physiotherapy. It is aimed at improving the general condition of the patient and depends on the underlying cause of the pathological process.

If the painful condition is associated with bronchial damage, then therapeutic massage and physical exercise will be effective. Such physiotherapy procedures help cleanse the bronchi of mucus and pus. Inhalations with the use of medicinal and herbal preparations are possible.

In the case of an allergic component, procedures are carried out that form the adaptive and restorative reactions of the body. All patients are recommended spa therapy.

Laryngospasm and acupuncture

Acupuncture is a method of influencing biologically active points of the body. It is used in the treatment of many diseases, including advanced chronic ones. The action of this treatment method is aimed at activating one's own defenses and mobilizing them to combat any disruptions in the functioning of the body.

Acupuncture is indicated for laryngospasms in adults and children. It normalizes the nervous system, relieves neurological pain, increases resistance to various irritants and pathogens. Improves metabolic processes and blood circulation. Prevents inflammatory processes.

Already after the first procedures, the frequency of attacks decreases, headaches go away. General well-being, sleep and appetite improve. Despite the wide range of applications and pronounced therapeutic effect, acupuncture is contraindicated in acute infectious diseases, malignant neoplasms, severe mental disorders and exhaustion of the body.

Folk remedies

Alternative methods of eliminating uncontrolled laryngeal spasms include folk therapy. The method is based on the use of plant-based components that have a beneficial effect on muscle tissue and have a bronchodilatory effect.

• Pour 1-2 liters of boiling water over a couple of tablespoons of soda and mix thoroughly. Use the solution for steam inhalations for 5 minutes per procedure.
• Take a glass of milk, add a teaspoon of honey, a pinch of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Mix everything thoroughly and warm it up a little. Take it to soften the respiratory tract and only if you have no allergic reactions to dairy products.
• Chamomile, mint, valerian or lemon balm tea is excellent for calming the nervous system and reducing laryngeal spasms. Take 1-2 tablespoons of plant material and pour 250 ml of boiling water. Let the drink brew for 20 minutes, strain. If the tea is too concentrated, it can be diluted with warm boiled water.

The above recipes are suitable for home treatment of attacks caused by nervous tension and allergic anaphylactic reactions.

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Herbal treatment

Herbal remedies with medicinal properties are used for many diseases and pathological conditions. Herbal treatment for laryngospasm is aimed at relieving cramps, preventing their occurrence and strengthening the body.

• Rub 200 g of rowan berries thoroughly through a sieve, add 100 g of sugar and stir until it dissolves. Pour the mixture into a glass container with a tight lid. Take 1 teaspoon every morning before meals.
• Take the following plant components in equal proportions: meadow geranium, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, mint, and crushed ginger root. Mix all the herbs in a glass container and pour in a liter of red wine heated to 70-75 °C. Mix thoroughly and add ½ teaspoon of red pepper. The drink should be infused for 48 hours, then filtered and taken 50 ml before bedtime.
• Take equal proportions of coltsfoot, oregano, medicinal speedwell, hawthorn, betony and red clover. Grind all the ingredients and mix. Pour 300 ml of boiling water over a spoonful of the herbal mixture and let it brew for 6-10 hours. After straining, warm up the infusion and take ½ cup 4-6 times a day.

Before using herbal preparations, you should make sure that they do not cause allergic reactions. You should also consult with your doctor.

Homeopathy

Another alternative method for stopping uncontrolled convulsive closure of the glottis is homeopathic medicines.

• Phosphorus – improves microcirculation and increases the body's immune resistance. Effectively relieves swelling of the larynx, relieves pain.
• Apis – reduces swelling and inflammation in the vocal cord area.
• Hyoscyamus – convulsive attacks with twitching of all the muscles of the body.
• Ignatia – spasms caused by fright, irritation or hysterical state.
• Magnesia phosphorica – relaxes muscle tissue, preventing spasms.

All medications are selected by a homeopath, individually for each patient. The doctor determines the dosage and gives recommendations on the duration of therapy.

Surgical treatment

One of the radical methods of stopping laryngospasm is surgical intervention. It is performed when there is a high risk of asphyxia, that is, suffocation. The following types of operations are most often used:

1. Tracheotomy – aimed at restoring respiratory function and eliminating glottic spasm. Prescribed for acute and chronic laryngeal spasms, stenosis of stages 3 and 4.

• Tepeotomy is a dissection of cartilage in the thyroid area.
• Cricotomy is the removal of the arch near the cricoid cartilage.
• Conicotomy is a surgical intervention in the area of the conical fold.

Dissection of the trachea provides air access to the lungs and allows the removal of foreign bodies from the larynx.

2. Tracheal intubation is the insertion of a special tube into the throat, which provides a constant flow of oxygen. It can be performed under local anesthesia or when the patient is conscious.

The choice of surgical treatment method depends on the severity of the pathological process, the age of the victim and the risk of complications.