Emergency Cognitive Aid
Laryngospasm
Closed glottis with difficult ventilation, stridor, or silent obstruction.
Last reviewed
2026-05-28
Call for help. Declare emergency. Assign a reader and team roles.
Immediate actions
- Call for help and state: laryngospasm.
- Remove stimulus, suction pharynx, apply 100% oxygen.
- Use firm jaw thrust and continuous positive airway pressure.
Key signs
- Noisy or absent airflow despite respiratory effort.
- Rising airway pressure, falling saturation, paradoxical chest movement.
- Often follows secretions, blood, airway manipulation, or light anaesthesia.
Treatment steps
- Deepen anaesthesia if IV access and circulation are adequate.
- If unresolved, give a rapid neuromuscular blocker and ventilate.
- Prepare for tracheal intubation if oxygenation is not rapidly restored.
Drug doses if relevant
- Propofol: small IV bolus titrated to depth if circulation allows.
- Suxamethonium: use local paediatric/adult emergency dosing protocol.
- Atropine/glycopyrrolate: consider for significant bradycardia per local protocol.
Notes / cautions
- Prioritise oxygenation over diagnosis debates.
- Escalate early if saturation is falling or ventilation is ineffective.
Source label
Association of Anaesthetists QRH-inspired
Concise demo/reference summary written for Anaes App. It is not a copied guideline and must be checked against local protocols.