Question: I am a 56 yr old female in healthy condition. I stopped smoking 25 yrs ago. I have noticed that my throat feels like it is closing and I have difficulty breathing in. It seems like I am smelling a smoking type smell. I have had this happen in the car, lying in bed and even at my workplace. No one is either around or smoking when this occurs. I have asked people at work if they smell anything and they say no. I do have a sensitivy when someone is smoking my throat closes up and feels like I can’t breath.
Any recommendations or suggestions?
Answer:
When we breath our vocal cords open, to allow air to pass through. They close when we speak. Difficulty breathing in implies that the vocal cords are closing when you inhale, instead of opening. With asthsma, one tends to have trouble breathing out. The vocal cords can close inappropriately from reflux- when acid gets up from the stomach to the level of the voice box- as well as from nerve injuries that cause the vocal cords to not work correctly. (paradoxical vocal cord motion). Mucous dripping on the vocal cords can cause them to close as well. Finally, a growth on the vocal cords may present like this.
This type of problem really requires a thorough ear nose and throat examination and visualization of the vocal cords (laryngoscopy) to determine the cause and treatment.
I hope this helps clear things up..
Robert Pincus MD
Co-Director NY Sinus Center
NY Otolaryngology Group
Frequently Asked Questions
Difficulty breathing in with a sensation of throat closing can be due to the vocal cords closing when they should be open during inhalation. Causes include paradoxical vocal cord motion, reflux causing acid irritation, nerve injuries affecting vocal cord function, mucus dripping onto the vocal cords, or growths on the vocal cords.
The perception of a smoking-type smell with no external source could be related to irritation or inflammation in the nasal or throat areas, often associated with reflux or other airway issues. Sometimes, vocal cord or sinus conditions can alter smell perception.
Asthma primarily causes difficulty breathing out due to airway constriction, whereas the described vocal cord problem causes difficulty breathing in because the vocal cords close inappropriately during inhalation. This difference can help distinguish between the two conditions.
A thorough ear, nose, and throat examination including laryngoscopy (visualization of the vocal cords) is recommended to identify the cause of vocal cord dysfunction or other related issues causing throat closure and breathing difficulty.
Yes, acid reflux can cause stomach acid to reach the voice box area, irritating the vocal cords and causing them to close inappropriately during inhalation, leading to a sensation of throat closing and difficulty breathing in.
Mucus dripping onto the vocal cords can irritate them and trigger inappropriate closure during inhalation, which may cause throat tightness and difficulty breathing in, similar to the symptoms described.
Yes, sensitivity to smoke can cause the vocal cords to react by closing or tightening, leading to a sensation of throat closing and difficulty breathing, especially in individuals with respiratory or vocal cord sensitivity.
