Which of the following is a common sign of laryngospasm?

A common sign of laryngospasm is stridor, which is characterized by a high-pitched crowing sound. This sound arises from the turbulent airflow through narrowed or obstructed airways during inspiration or expiration. In the case of laryngospasm, the vocal cords become temporarily paralyzed or closed, leading to this distinctive noise when air attempts to pass through.

Stridor is often indicative of an upper airway obstruction, which is a hallmark feature of laryngospasm. The sound can be alarming and signifies that the person is struggling to breathe adequately due to the closure of the laryngeal muscles. Recognizing stridor is crucial for prompt identification and management of laryngospasm, especially in an emergency or surgical setting, where maintaining an airway is vital.

Other signs such as the absence of breath sounds might occur in severe cases, but they are not specific to laryngospasm and can indicate a more critical state of airway obstruction. Similarly, severe chest pain and drooling can occur in various medical conditions, but these symptoms do not specifically point to laryngospasm as clearly as stridor does. Thus, understanding the noise associated with laryngospasm and its implications is essential for effective recognition and treatment in clinical practice.