Q: I heard someone mention “Dry
Drowning.” What is that and do I have to be concerned that this could happen to
me?
A: Dry drowning or laryngospasm is
a common occurrence for many of with Kennedy’s Disease. It is the result of a
spasm in the adductor muscles - the muscles closing or bringing the vocal folds
together. Laryngospasm happens when your voice box or the area of the windpipe
below the voice box detect the entry of water or another substance. The vocal
folds spasm and the airway shuts down. All of us have experienced it when a bug
flies down your throat while you were starting to inhale, or you inhale a glass
of water. The vocal cords very immediately and very effectively close. That
closure is a benefit to protect the airway, but it makes “breathing in”, very
difficult. The throat muscles weaken (atrophy) in a person with Kennedy’s
Disease. Because of this, it becomes more difficult to swallow or clear the
throat.
Eric, on Facebook, posted the link to the video below. I
thought it was terrific. It not only explains, it also show you, what happens
during one of these spasms.
The key message I given to me by my doctor was try not to
panic. Worst case scenario is that I might pass out (wasn’t comforting news at
the time). He explained I need to relax a little and not fight it (difficult to
do when you can’t get your breath).
Fortunately, I haven’t had many episodes over the last few
years.
If you’ve experienced this spasm, watch the YouTube video
(link below) and discuss it with your doctor.
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