Definition

Noun A sudden, involuntary spasm or constriction of the muscles of the larynx (voice box), which temporarily blocks the airway and prevents air from reaching the lungs.

Usage

This is a medical term used to describe a specific, acute condition. It is typically used in clinical, emergency, or anatomical contexts. * The patient experienced a laryngospasm during the procedure, requiring immediate intervention. * Laryngospasm is a known potential complication of general anesthesia. * Severe acid reflux can sometimes trigger a laryngospasm.

Advanced Usage

• Induced or iatrogenic laryngospasm: Refers to a laryngospasm caused by a medical intervention, such as irritation from an endotracheal tube during intubation or extubation.
• Reflex laryngospasm: Describes a laryngospasm that occurs as a protective reflex, for example, in response to the aspiration of water, food, or stomach contents.

Variants and Related Words

• Laryngeal (adjective): Pertaining to the larynx. (e.g., ).
• Spasm (noun): A sudden, involuntary muscular contraction. This is the root component of the compound word "laryngospasm."

Synonyms

• Laryngeal spasm (This is a descriptive synonym, essentially defining the term).
• Airway obstruction (This is a broader term for the result of a laryngospasm, not the spasm itself).

Antonyms

• Patent airway (A clear, open airway).
• Laryngeal patency (The state of the larynx being open and unobstructed).

Noun

1. a closure of the larynx that blocks the passage of air to the lungs