Laryngospasm is a temporary spasm of the vocal cords, causing difficulty speaking or breathing. The vocal cords are two fibrous bands inside the larynx, the opening of the windpipe. Laryngospasm usually comes on suddenly and goes away after a few minutes. The difficulty breathing can be very frightening, but it is not life-threatening.

Laryngospasm is a rare but terrifying condition in which the vocal cords suddenly contract or close when inhaling, blocking the flow of air into the lungs. People with this condition often have difficulty sleeping and sometimes cannot speak or breathe for a few seconds. Laryngospasm usually goes away within a few minutes.