Patient-related risk factors significantly contribute to the likelihood of laryngospasm during anesthesia. Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable, with the youngest patients at the highest risk due to the increased reactivity of their airways. Children with active asthma are at a significantly higher risk, with studies indicating up to a 10-fold increase in the likelihood of laryngospasm. Similarly, a recent upper respiratory infection (within the past six weeks) also raises the risk by up to 10-fold. Exposure to second-hand smoke is another critical factor, particularly in children, where it has been shown to increase the risk by up to 10 times.
Additionally, patients with underlying conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux or obstructive sleep apnea are more prone to experiencing laryngospasm. Airway anomalies further compound the risk, particularly in those with subglottic stenosis, laryngeal papilloma, cleft palate, vocal cord paralysis, laryngomalacia, or tracheal stenosis. These structural abnormalities can make the airway more sensitive and reactive, thus increasing the likelihood of complications during anesthesia. Understanding and identifying these patient-related risk factors are essential for anesthesia providers in planning and executing a safe anesthetic management strategy.
