Which of the following symptoms is indicative of a laryngospasm?

The symptom that indicates a laryngospasm is an inability to breathe due to vocal cord closure. During a laryngospasm, the vocal cords involuntarily tighten or spasm, obstructing airflow and making it extremely difficult or impossible for the person to breathe. This condition can occur as a protective reflex in response to irritants, airway obstruction, or during surgical procedures involving the larynx.

Other options, while they may represent airway or respiratory issues, do not specifically describe the mechanism and experience associated with laryngospasm. For instance, difficulty swallowing is more related to issues within the esophagus or muscular problems, while loss of consciousness could be due to various causes, including neurological events or inadequate oxygenation. Suddenly choking may suggest various forms of obstruction, including the presence of foreign bodies in the airway, but does not specifically reflect the characteristic closure of the vocal cords found in laryngospasm. Understanding the mechanism of laryngospasm is critical in identifying and managing respiratory emergencies effectively.