Understanding Throat Spasms in Children: Unraveling the Mystery
I have an 11-year-old daughter who began experiencing a persistent dry cough about a month ago. This cough has escalated to the point where it resembles a whooping cough, causing her to struggle for breath, emit a stridor sound, and panic. Occasionally, this leads to vomiting and burping, after which she seems to recover. We consulted her pediatrician, who conducted numerous tests, all of which returned negative results. However, she did identify the presence of post-nasal drip and prescribed antibiotics, which only provided minimal relief. These distressing episodes frequently occur during the night and have not yet resolved. Now, my 9-year-old daughter is showing similar symptoms, although we haven't visited the doctor yet. She experiences recurrent episodes, particularly at night. Both girls tend to trigger an episode when they become overly excited, run for a short period, or laugh too freely. What could be causing this? For over three weeks, I have been consistently utilizing a cool mist humidifier, but there has been no significant improvement. What steps should I take? It breaks my heart to see them so frightened and uncomfortable during these events.
Answers (1)
7/14/2025, 4:30:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds very distressing to see your daughters experiencing these troubling symptoms, especially when they lead to panic and discomfort. The persistent dry cough, stridor (a high-pitched wheezing sound during breathing), and episodes that cause vomiting could point toward a few possible underlying issues, including asthma-like reactions or other airway sensitivities.
Explanation
The symptoms you've described, particularly the cough that worsens with excitement or exertion, can be indicative of several conditions, such as:
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Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD): This condition can mimic asthma but involves abnormal closure of the vocal cords during breathing, leading to difficulty breathing and stridor.
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Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB): Particularly in children, vigorous activity can trigger airway constriction, resulting in coughing and difficulty breathing.
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Asthma: This is common in children and can cause similar cough and wheezing symptoms, particularly at night or with certain triggers like laughter or activity.
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Post-Nasal Drip and Allergies: Even though the pediatrician found post-nasal drip, allergies may still play a role in exacerbating the cough and stridor.
Next Steps
Here are some prioritized actions to help manage your daughters’ symptoms:
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Monitor and Record Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of when these episodes happen (times, triggers, duration) to identify patterns. This will help in understanding their particular triggers better.
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Consult an Allergist or Pulmonologist: Since your pediatrician's tests returned negative, a specialist may provide further insight. Testing for allergies or conducting specific breathing tests could be helpful.
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Implement Breathing Techniques: Teaching your daughters calm breathing exercises can help during episodes. Try inhaling through the nose and exhaling slowly through pursed lips to help manage panic.
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Environmental Adjustments: Although you have a humidifier, consider other factors like allergens in the home—pets, dust mites, or mold. Keeping her sleeping area clean and allergen-free can help.
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Ensure Proper Hydration: Encourage both girls to drink plenty of water, which may help thin out mucus and alleviate some throat irritation.
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Stay Calm During Episodes: When an episode occurs, remaining calm yourself can help soothe your daughters. Reassure them they are safe, and guide them through breathing exercises.
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Emergency Action Plan: If episodes become severe or lead to significant breathing distress, establish a plan for what to do next, including when to seek immediate help.
These steps aim to alleviate the current symptoms while also addressing the underlying concerns contributing to your daughters’ episodes. Your proactive approach and observations will be vital in helping healthcare providers manage their conditions more effectively. Remember, it’s important to advocate for your daughters’ health and ensure their comfort and safety, both physically and emotionally.
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