laryngismus

/ˌlɛrɪnˈdʒɪzməs/
noun
  1. A sudden spasm or closure of the vocal cords that can cause difficulty breathing or a crowing sound.
    • Doctors monitored the child for signs of laryngismus after the respiratory infection.
    • The infant had a mild case of laryngismus that resolved on its own.
    • Laryngismus can be frightening but is often brief and not dangerous.