laryngospasm
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- a closure of the larynx that blocks the passage of air to the lungs