Stridor is noisy breathing resulting from obstructed airflow through a narrowed airway. It's not a diagnosis itself but rather a sign of an underlying airway issue.
Understanding Stridor
Stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing sound typically heard during inspiration (breathing in), but it can also occur during expiration (breathing out) or both. The sound is produced by turbulent airflow through a partially blocked or narrowed airway. The location and cause of the obstruction determine the characteristics of the stridor.
Causes of Stridor
Stridor can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
- Infections: Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis) is a common cause of stridor in young children. Epiglottitis, a bacterial infection of the epiglottis (the flap that covers the trachea during swallowing), is a less common but more serious cause.
- Foreign Body Aspiration: Inhaling an object into the airway is a common cause in young children.
- Swelling: Allergic reactions, trauma, or tumors can cause swelling of the airway.
- Congenital Abnormalities: Some babies are born with airway abnormalities, such as laryngomalacia (soft larynx), that can cause stridor.
- Subglottic Stenosis: Narrowing of the airway below the vocal cords.
- Vocal Cord Paralysis: Can obstruct airflow and cause stridor.
- Tracheal Stenosis: Narrowing of the trachea, often caused by prolonged intubation.
- Tumors: Tumors in the airway can cause obstruction and stridor.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Stridor can be a sign of a serious medical condition. Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know experiences stridor, especially if accompanied by:
- Difficulty breathing
- Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin)
- Drooling
- Difficulty swallowing
- Changes in mental status
Diagnosis
Diagnosing the underlying cause of stridor typically involves a physical exam, listening to the breath sounds, and potentially imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans. Laryngoscopy, a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the airway, may also be performed.
Treatment
Treatment for stridor depends on the underlying cause. It may include:
- Medications: Corticosteroids to reduce swelling, antibiotics to treat infections.
- Oxygen therapy: To improve oxygen levels.
- Racemic epinephrine: Nebulized treatment to reduce airway swelling.
- Endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy: To bypass the obstruction in severe cases.
- Surgical intervention: To remove foreign bodies, repair airway abnormalities, or remove tumors.
In summary, stridor is a concerning symptom indicative of airway obstruction, necessitating prompt medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and initiate appropriate management.
