Throat closes can't breathe

[jappel2]

I am a 62 yr old man. When I was 17 I was taking a shower, and out of the blue, I couldn't breathe. It felt like my throat closed (it probably was) and air couldn't get it or out. It lasted for about 30 or so seconds. Then it relaxes on it's own, slowly and air started flowing in and out. After a few minutes I was back to normal.
This happens infrequently. As many as months or a year or so between bouts. I had an attack last night that was brutal, seemed to last well over a minute, and I panicked. Now, this can happen while i'm sleeping, or awake during the day.  I all of a sudden jump out of bed and can't breathe. Feels like i'm trying to breathe through a straw with a thickness the size of a toothpick. Now for the strange part, this has happened in the middle of the day sitting at my desk. I'll jump up, and have the same symptom for a minute or so. It's scary. I have had two instances the last 30 days. I am reading that it could be VCD (vocal cord dysfunction). It's not sleep apnea ( I don't believe) because it happens while i'm awake. It happened while I was watching tv one night but only lasted 10 or so seconds.
Any thoughts?
Ant, it's very very frightening.

[lm103212]

I have had this happen for over 20 years....it is so terrifying. Recently, I had the worst attack.  Being a nurse I try not to panic, but as you all know it is not easy. One thing I find has helped...as soon as it comes on....I get down on my hands and knee's with my head to the floor....I think the change in body position helps as I think it increases blood flow. I try to take in a very very slow easy breath. As this is happening I tell myself nobody dies from this...worst thing is I will pass out. I do not have any symptoms, no allergies, gerds, sleep apnea. It doesn't seem like any doctors know how to treat it as they do not encounter this. Magnesium may also help as it helps muscle cramps.

[flubber123]

I'm having this problem I'm 22 and it's literally ruin my life it start last month it gave me tachycardia I was so scared and it would only happen once a day maybe then it's now happening I rows and all day I on us to get when drifting of to sleep b it's become a day thing I can't Leabe the house I too scared ! I have small children too it's causing my anxiety a it a relief to know people have had it a understand as I weno to hospital I get told stress and anxiety bit it doesn't happen when I'm stressed it happens when I wants to and it's driving me crazy I wake up in fear of I I'm hoping it doesn't become a thing that stays did anybody find anything that stopped it

[maedu]

My father just experienced 12 days of persistent hiccups and his throat and nose closes up to where he couldn't breathe. The non-breathing eventually cures the hiccups. After 15 seconds of not breathing, the airway opens up and then he can breathe again. He had episodes of non- breathing for several days and couple times each day. I gave him Benadryl and it has helped tremendously. He has not had an episode of hiccups in the last 3 days and the non-breathing in the last 5 days. Benadryl is an over the counter drug and is pretty safe to use to see if it works for you. It worked for my dad! It was a life saver!

[luvicecream]

forgot to mention about the dentist.  My dentist also knows about this.
I told him that if anything , and i mean anything, touches the back of my
throat.....it will close.  

I will cancel a dentist appt. if i am over tired.  

forgot to mention that a customer one day had way to much cologne on.
That smell irritated my throat and wham it instantly started to close.
Had to immediately go to a room where nobody was and calm it down,.

[luvicecream]

Finally I've found others who understand exactly what i have been going
through for years.  Yes, the throat closes....no air in , no air out.  
No drinking water, no talking, .....Just a very loud noise from me trying
to suck in air so i don't pass out.

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue 19 years ago.
Through the years I have noticed the number one thing that brings it on
is fatigue.  I miss a nap after work and get to bed late....
well, next day I will know not to eat crackers, chips, and watch and
pay close attention while drinking anything.

Number one thing I've found to help....When you feel it come on, try not
to panic (easier said than done) .  All I have to say is....it takes lots of
practice not to panic.

I tell people that when you ( this person) go and jog and you get a charlie
horse in your calf muscle...it's because you are overusing that muscle and
it's tired.  
well, if i don't relax my body after work, not only do my leg, arms, back
muscles pay,,,,, my throat muscles also get tired from talking to customers, from smiling all day to customers, etc.

I tell people at work...If you see me looking like i'm choking on food..ask if
i am  and when i shake my head no.,...leave me alone so i can relax my
throat muscles .....if i pass out call 911.  

[dude9000]

I am a 46 year old male. I have had the problem since I was about 25, but very rarely. Literally can't get air through my throat for about 10 seconds.  Then it opens up. It is absolutely terrifying.  It has mostly happened after I was working in an area with dust or inhaling crumbs the most recent time. I also think talcum powder may have caused one episode. It has happened while I am awake and while sleeping. It is frustrating that some doctors translate what you say to:  he or she feels like their throat is closed up.  It's not just feeling the throat closed.  I physical can't get air through.  Basically I try and try to breathe and push with my lungs.  Eventually tiny amounts of air to get in and then it eventually opens up fully. Honestly, I don't know if pushing with my lungs helps or not, but it is very hard to relax and do nothing when I am wondering if I am going to choke to death.  I would very much like to know what I can do when this happens.  Epi-pen? Heimlich ? Massage the throat?