[Laryngospasm].

OBJECTIVE

Airways management is fundamental for anesthesiologists, especially during induction of anesthesia and after extubation, when laryngeal spasm is more common. The anesthesiologist should know pharyngeal-laryngeal physiology and the risk factors for airways obstruction, since this is a potentially severe complication with a multifactorial etiology that can develop during anesthesia and whose consequences can be catastrophic. A delay in the diagnosis or treatment and its evolution can lead to hypoxemia, acute pulmonary edema, and, eventually, death of the patient. In this context, the objective of this report was to review the measures that should be taken in cases of laryngospasm because adequate oxygenation and ventilation may be compromised in this situation.

BACKGROUND

This review article presents the mechanisms of airways management, discussing the most relevant aspects and etiology, pathophysiology, treatment, and prevention of laryngospasm.

CONCLUSIONS

The literature has several recommendations on the treatment or prevention of laryngospasm, but none of them is completely effective. Due to its severity, further studies on measures to prevent this complication are necessary.