Sleep-Related Laryngospasm Caused by Gastroesophageal Reflux

ABSTRACT

Sleep-related laryngospasm is a rare cause of sleep-related breathing disturbance which produce stridor or interruption of airflow associated with a distinct polysomnography arousal pattern. We report a case of a sixty-five-year-old woman who was referred for awakenings with abrupt respiratory distress and fear of suffocation. A polysomnography showed a total or near-total cessation of airflow, followed by choking and stridor for several minutes with a rapid increase in heart rate. Temporary hoarseness was seen. The esophageal pH monitoring indicated acid reflux, which confirmed gastroesophageal reflux disease. The protonpump inhibitor eliminated the sleep-related laryngospasm.