What is stridor? Stridor is the sound produced by turbulent flow of air through a narrowed segment of the respiratory tract. It is a sign of airway obstruction in a child. It typically originates from the larynx (voice box) ot trachea (windpipe). The larynx functions as a passage for breathing, an organ of communication, and as a protective valve to prevent forgein objects including food and water from entering the lungs. Infections or abnormalities of the larynx can produce symptoms and signs of airflow obstruction, altered phonation, and /or feeding difficulties.
What are the causes of stridor? Congenital abnormalities of the larynx, infectious conditions of the respitory tract, vocal chord paralysis,
trauma, and tumors of the airway can all cause stridor.
What is the most common cause for stridor in an infant? Laryngomalacia is the most frequent casue of stridor in infants. It is a result of flaccidity of laryngeal stuctures and tissues causing them to collapse into the airway.
What are the signs and symptoms of laryngomalacia? A low pitched or squeaky intermittent inspiratory sound which gets louder when the child is supine, crying or feeding is the hallmark of laryngomalacia. This is usally noticed in the first few weeks of life. The stridor may worsen over the next few months, is at it's worst around six months and then gradually improves. Most children are symptom free by 24 months, although stidor my persist for 3 to 4 years. |
