Congenital Laryngeal Stridor in Children

Congenital laryngeal stridor is a noisy or high-pitched sound with breathing. It is from an abnormally formed voice box (larynx). It is present at birth (congenital).Congenital laryngeal stridor is the most common cause of noisy breathing (stridor) in babies. During the baby’s development, the larynx may not fully develop. As a result, part of the larynx is weak. This causes the larynx to close part of the way during breathing.

The main symptom is the stridor that is heard as the baby breathes. It is best heard when a baby breathes in. It can also be heard when the baby breaths out. 

Stridor:

• Changes with activity
• Is present during eating, sleeping, or excitement
• Is usually less noisy when the baby is lying on his or her belly
• Gets worse if the baby has an upper respiratory infection, like a cough or cold

The symptoms of congenital laryngeal stridor can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

The healthcare provider will ask about your baby’s symptoms and health history. He or she will give your baby a physical exam. The provider may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Your baby may need diagnostic tests such as laryngoscopy. This is a test to look at the larynx.

In most cases, congenital laryngeal stridor is a harmless condition that goes away on its own. Although not common, some babies develop severe breathing problems which need treatment. Treatment may include medicines, a hospital stay, or surgery.

Treatment will depend on your baby’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

In severe cases, congenital laryngeal stridor may be a sign of a blocked airway.Your baby’s healthcare provider will recheck your baby. He or she will make sure your baby is eating well and gaining weight.Call your baby’s healthcare provider if your baby is not eating well or growing well. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your baby has trouble breathing.

• Congenital laryngeal stridor is an abnormally formed voice box (larynx). It is present at birth (congenital).
• During the baby’s development, the larynx may not fully develop.
• The stridor is usually heard when the baby breathes in, but it can also be heard when the baby breathes out.
• Procedures to diagnose congenital laryngeal stridor may include laryngoscopy or bronchoscopy.
• In most cases, congenital laryngeal stridor is a harmless condition that goes away on its own.

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.