Stridor

What are the causes of stridor?

There can be many causes of stridor. The common causes are:

• o Infections of the larynx, trachea or upper airways like croup, epiglottitis, or tonsillitis, and abscesses in the back of the throat
• o Swallowing toxic substances
• o Accidental swallowing of pieces of food or small objects that may get lodged in the upper airway
• o Injuries to the jaw or neck
• o Narrowed airways due to congenital causes like laryngeal webs
• o Congenital anomalies in the child’s nose and throat, larynx, or trachea like laryngomalacia
• o Allergic reaction may cause swelling of airways.

What are the symptoms of stridor in a child?

• o Noisy breathing which is often accompanied by a visible suprasternal retractions or pulling of the muscles at the base of the neck dur to the difficulty in inspiration. It indicates that the upper airways are blocked.
• o Difficulty in eating or drinking
• o Poor weight gain

How is stridor diagnosed in a child?

The doctor will take a detailed history and clinical examination and may ask for the following investigations:

• X-rays. X-rays of the chest and neck both frontal and lateral views may be done.
• CT scan (computerized tomography) or MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) of the neck and upper airways.
• Bronchoscopy. This is used to visualize the throat, larynx, trachea, and airways leading into the lungs (bronchi).
• Spirometry. This test is done to evaluate the lung functions
• Pulse oximetry. An oximeter is a device to measure the saturation of oxygen in the blood.
• Sputum culture. A sample of the sputum that is coughed up is sent for microbiological evaluation

How is stridor treated in a child?

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause, severity and age of the child.