Laryngospasm

Question 1

What are the respiratory signs and symptoms of laryngospasm?

Answer 1

• Abnormal or absent ETCO₂ waveform.
• Cyanosis.
• Desaturation.
• Hypercarbia.
• Hypoxemia.
• Inadequate face mask ventilation.
• Inspiratory/expiratory stridor (partial laryngospasm).
• Intercostal/suprasternal inspiratory retractions.
• Increased peak pressure.
• Negative pressure pulmonary edema:
o Bilateral rales.
o Desaturation.
o Pink frothy or exudative pulmonary secretions.
o Radiographic evidence of pulmonary edema.
o Paradoxical chest/abdominal movement (rocking/seesaw).
o Tracheal tugging on inspiration.

Question 2

What are the cardiovascular signs and symptoms of laryngospasm?

Answer 2

• Bradycardia (late sign of hypoxemia).
• Increased blood pressure.
• Tachycardia (early sign of hypoxemia).

Question 3

What are other considerations in laryngospasm?

Answer 3

• Subcutaneous emphysema.
• Supraglottic or subglottic edema.

Question 4

What diagnostic test is recommended if negative pressure pulmonary edema is suspected?

Answer 4

Chest X-ray.

Question 5

What are some respiratory differential diagnoses for laryngospasm?

Answer 5

• Abnormal airway anatomy.
• Airway trauma.
• Malignancy.
• Mediastinal mass.
• Airway obstruction (upper).
• Bronchospasm.
• Foreign body (e.g., retained throat pack).
• Neck hematoma.
• Pneumothorax/tension pneumothorax.

Question 6

What are other differential diagnoses to consider with laryngospasm?

Answer 6

• Anaphylaxis.
• Tension pneumothorax.