Choking on Saliva/ Uncontrollable swallowing and air in esophagus

This was by far the most helpful post in this string for me. I was awakened from sleep last night with what I'm fairly sure was a laryngospasm. It was the first one of these spasms I've ever had and it was absolutely terrifying. I can see why so many people who have posted on this string think they're going to die from them.



I haven't been to a doctor yet, but here's why I'm fairy sure what happened to me was a sleep related layngospasm.



1. I'm a long time sufferer from GERD. I also have allergies like most of the posters here. Not surprising. Allergies and GERD are related. Google it and you'll see. Some of the posters here are pregnant, I noticed. Again, not surprising. Pregnant women often suffer from GERD.



2. I should've known better, but right before I went to bed last night I ate a big greasy and spicy meal. Normally when I abuse myself like this I awaken in the middle of the night with my throat burning from acid reflux. But last night I'd just come off an all-night work session from the night before and I was so tired I practically passed out. I'm sure what happened is that the churning acid from my stomach made it all the way up into my larynx.



I may go to a doctor if these spasms persist, if my plan is to treat the condition of GERD, not the symptoms of laryngospasms. Short term, I'm going to start taking a daily stomach acid reducer and put some blocks under the head of my bed. Long term, I'm going to eat healthier, cut down on cokes and coffee, and avoid eating several hours before I go to bed.



One of the posters suggested that these spasms can be curtailed by placing a drop of peppermint oil on the tongue. If you are suffering from a laryngospasm that's a really bad idea. Peppermint aggravates GERD.



Here's hoping and praying that everyone finds some relief.

I believe I know what is causing this, it happened to me the first time last night, I was freaked like I never got freaked before.

Of all the situations stated here yours is closest to mine. I have had this problem for 11 years. Unlike everyone here mine is triggered by a strong mint, alcohol, a bad cold, turning my head suddenly, numerous things. Many times while sleeping. I have learned to force myself to relax and breathe through my nose and it ends quickly. I just had a episode and breathing thru my nose did not work ( first time that's happened). This was frightening to my husband. He has seen me do this many times but not as long as this one. I can go a year and not have one and then out of no where ... What did the Dr. tell you? I went to see my family Dr. and a specialist, they looked at me like I was nuts.

You are not nuts my friend. As you can see from the number of replies on this forum, lots of us suffer from this sudden, frightening inability to get air into our lungs. I believe there are many causes, probably different ones for each of us and although it sounds easy to say, the real trick is to try and stay calm. I usually feel the urge to be alone when it happens, partly through embarassment and partly because I don't want some kind intentioned person trying to dry hump me giving me a bodged Hymlich Manover while I'm desperatley trying to sort myself out. I go down onto my knees (incase I do pass out), lean forwards, tilt my head right back and try to 'sniff' through my nose. It always takes about 30 seconds (which feel like hours) to recover and when I can breath again, I find myself sweating and trembling because of the frightening experience. If it happens at night, it then taks another few hours for me to feel relaxed enough to actually go back to sleep. Please don't feel like a wierdo, IT HAPPENS TO ME AS WELL and I promise you, I am not nuts.

This happens to me, too. I'll just be sitting down, doing nothing, and saliva will go down my windpipe and I'll just start choking and choking. I've been having issues swallowing water lately, and it's really bugging me. In fact, it happened about ten minutes ago, which is why I looked it up, and I still can't see straight from the tears that started flowing when I coughed and coughed. I just really hope it doesn't happen in class again, because I just randomly started coughing in Bio and got several weird looks. It's completely random and extremely annoying, not to mention hard to control. If it's not bad, I can, like in Bio a few times, but it just doesn't make sense at all.... It's annoying!

I'm asthmatic and it happens to me. I do use my inhaler and it seems to help enough that I can control the panic. But then after that I'm still trying to clear the windpipe, with controled choking and bring up what went down (saliva). Though, I'm still wheezing after that. I think knowing I have something that will help the breathing does help relieve my panic. I would say I just noticed this starting to happen to me for the past 2 years, however, I have been asthmatic since I was a kid. I have thought about telling the doctor. I'm trying to figure out what it is by searching the internet.

Yeah, I'm an asthmatic, too. Maybe that's why it happens... It's just really freaky because all of a sudden, I can't take a breath, and even though I know it'll pass, it's still a horrible feeling of dread.

no it is not,and most doctors dont think much into it,you are all gonna have to go to the doctor and push them for answers,like im fixing to do,its not that bunch of bull,acid reflux,post nasal drip etc.This is a serious problem and im gonna find out what it is and i'll let you know, I've been doing it for years and i know how it starts,but when you get like me you better do something,oh and by the way i've never had any kind of surgerys either,anyway i dont catch my breath back anymore, i have to put my fingers down as far as i can get them and open my airway and it still takes awhile it scares my grown kids to death and myself also,no matter how it happens(saliva,juices off of gum whatever)I cannot control my throat to collapse and it happens at anytime,even in my sleep

I've this for a few years now as well. While I don't know what exactly it is, I do know how to make it go away faster. Hold your arms and hands above your head when you start to choke. My mother (a nurse) told me to do this when she noticed me "choking" one day, and ever since then when I do this, it goes away faster. I'm not sure why, but it works. Some more info about me: Most of my family suffers from these episodes, its strange like it runs in the family.  I also suffer from anxiety disorder and have panic attacks frequently. 27/F and a little overweight, but trying to get healthy!

I have the same thing. Actually it is exactly the same thing and your the only one who explained my EXACT problem online. It happens to me every single night and Im terrified to sleep. I went to the E.R. a few nights ago and they did not know what it could possibly be and Im stuck with a pointless hospital bill. I know it isnt sleep apnea because that is when you stop breathing while sleeping and you get up and gasp for air. This is constantly swallowing so much that you can not breathe at all and just before passing out you get some air...then burp out all the air that was swallowed involentarily. I do not believe it is GURD as to I can be half asleep/half awake and can feel everything. It's just a random shoot-out-of-bed choking episode as if I really drowned on something. The only thing I could find online that may be the problem is choking on saliva or post nasal drip, though post nasal drip doesnt seem as severe as what we are going through. I know how you feel and I just wish someone would tell me how to make it stop. I cry after these episodes because all I want to do is sleep and Im too afraid.

I have a 14 year old son who has been vomiting for 2 years with no diagnosis. He "chokes" for 4-5 seconds then gags and sometimes vomits, sometimes dry heaves. It originally started at night and now happens randomly at all times. He has had sleep studies, EEGs, Upper GIs, Upper Endoscopy, Brain MRI, Gastric Emptying study etc. and NO ONE can diagnose it. All the docs are now saying it is "just in his head" and it is terribly frustrating. His pediatrician suggested he try to go to the Mayo Clinic. He has become recluse, withdrawn, depressed, is scared to go to school, dropped out of sports etc.. it is ruining his life. If ANYONE has ideas or suggestions, please let me know.

Oh, I also find it passes faster if you remain calm.

I forgot to add to my comment, besides raising arms above your head, I find it also passes faster if I remain calm. Which is difficult I know, but I always remind myself, " I will catch my breath in a minute"

Yes, Yes! You must keep Calm. It will pass and you will be able to catch your breath soon. (I know it's very difficult) Raising my arms does helps. For me, it happens when I least expect it but I have notice that usually is when I'm upset, stressed or nervous for some reason. I sometimes feel it coming and I try to keep calm hold by breath and cough and I prevent it from getting worse. Hope this helps.

Sorry, but i feel that the WORST thing would to be alone when this happens!!!!!!!!!!!! several times i have tried that. i would go outside on my deck and pass-out from this, only to be gone too long and my friends/family would worry, and look forme, and i'm passed out on the deck!! this always is remedied by6 the hiemickh maneuver. one time i was 'out' and i could hear and 'see' everybody standing around me. there was not a TUNNEL, but just a BRIGHT light! thyat time i was out for quite a while before they could 'revive' me!
BE VERY CAREFUL WITH THIS!!!!! DO NOT BE ALONE!!!!!!!!!!!