Stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing sound caused by disrupted airflow. Airflow is usually disrupted by a blockage in the larynx (voice box) or trachea (windpipe). It’s most noticeable when breathing in, though it can sometimes be heard when breathing out. Stridor affects children more often than adults.
In infants, a condition called laryngomalacia is usually the cause of stridor. It may be quieter when your child is lying on their stomach, and louder when lying on their back. Larynogomalacia is most noticeable when your child is about 6 months old. It may start as soon as a few days after birth. As your child ages, their airway stiffens, and the stridor often goes away. Stridor may go away by the time your child is 2 years old. For some children, it may continue for another year or two. …show more content…
Children have narrower, softer airways than adults do. They’re much more likely to develop stridor. The condition should be treated immediately to prevent further blockage. If the airway is completely blocked, your child won’t be able to breathe.
What Causes Stridor?
Data collected by the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital suggest that laryngomalacia is responsible for 50 to 75 percent of stridor cases in infants. Laryngomalacia is caused by soft structures and tissues that obstruct the airway. It often goes away as your child ages and their airways harden.
Symptoms of laryngomalacia include:
•a low-pitched or squeaky breathing sound that may be more noticeable when your child is lying on their back, feeding, or crying
•a hoarse cry
•poor weight gain
•trouble nursing
•general
In infants, a condition called laryngomalacia is usually the cause of stridor. It may be quieter when your child is lying on their stomach, and louder when lying on their back. Larynogomalacia is most noticeable when your child is about 6 months old. It may start as soon as a few days after birth. As your child ages, their airway stiffens, and the stridor often goes away. Stridor may go away by the time your child is 2 years old. For some children, it may continue for another year or two. …show more content…
Children have narrower, softer airways than adults do. They’re much more likely to develop stridor. The condition should be treated immediately to prevent further blockage. If the airway is completely blocked, your child won’t be able to breathe.
What Causes Stridor?
Data collected by the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital suggest that laryngomalacia is responsible for 50 to 75 percent of stridor cases in infants. Laryngomalacia is caused by soft structures and tissues that obstruct the airway. It often goes away as your child ages and their airways harden.
Symptoms of laryngomalacia include:
•a low-pitched or squeaky breathing sound that may be more noticeable when your child is lying on their back, feeding, or crying
•a hoarse cry
•poor weight gain
•trouble nursing
•general