Laryngomalacia Laryngomalacia results from a congenital (present at birth) abnormality of the larynx (voice box). A weakness in the structures in the larynx can cause stridor. Stridor is a high-pitched sound that is heard best when the child breathes in (inspiration). What causes laryngomalacia? Laryngomalacia is a defect that is present at birth. During fetal development, the structures in the larynx may not fully develop. As a result, there is a weakness in these structures, causing them to collapse during breathing. In children, laryngomalacia is the most common cause of chronic stridor. Sixty percent of infants born with congenital laryngeal stridor will have symptoms in the first week of life. Most other infants will show symptoms by five weeks old. What are the symptoms of laryngomalacia? The major symptom of this disorder is the stridor that is heard as the infant breathes in (inspiration). Other characteristics of the stridor may include: The stridor changes with activity. The stridor is usually less noisy when the child is lying on his/her stomach. The stridor gets worse if the infant has an upper respiratory infection. The stridor is greater with excitement or when feeding. Always consult your child’s physician for a diagnosis because the symptoms of laryngomalacia may resemble other conditions or medical problems. How is laryngomalacia diagnosed? We start with a complete medical history and physical examination. Other diagnostic procedures may include laryngoscopy and/or bronchoscopy, tests that involve passing a lighted tube into the child’s airways so that his/her physician can observe the airways during breathing. How is laryngomalacia treated? In most cases, laryngomalacia is a harmless condition that resolves on its own without medical intervention. The condition usually improves by the time the infant is 18 months old and has no long-term complications. In some cases, the stridor is apparent until about five years of age. Each child's case is unique. About 10 to 22 percent develop severe respiratory problems that require medical and surgical intervention.
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