Stridor is a medical condition that can cause worry for parents and caretakers of babies and children. It is characterized by a high-pitched, wheezing sound when breathing, which can indicate a blockage or narrowing of the airway. If you’re concerned about your child’s breathing, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly.
This in-depth guide aims to educate parents and caretakers about stridor in babies and children, including what it is, the possible causes, and the treatment options available. We’ll also address commonly asked questions, such as “what is stridor?” and provide expert advice to help you take the right steps toward ensuring your child’s health. When in doubt, it is always best to consider pediatric care in Miami, Florida.
Keep reading for the rest.
What Is Stridor: Defined
As mentioned in the introduction, stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing sound that occurs during breathing. Now that you know what stridor is, what causes it?
In short, the cause can be a blockage or narrowing of the airway, which can result from a variety of factors, including inflammation, foreign objects, or congenital anomalies. Stridor can affect people of all ages, but this guide will focus on babies and children.
In infants and children, stridor can be a sign of a more severe underlying condition, such as croup, a viral infection that causes swelling in the airway. Other possible causes include congenital abnormalities, like laryngomalacia or tracheomalacia, or a foreign object lodged in the airway.
It’s essential to seek medical attention if you suspect your child is experiencing stridor breathing, as it can be a sign of a severe respiratory problem. Reach out to a medical professional if you hear stridor sounds in infants.
While some cases of stridor can resolve on their own, others may require medical intervention to alleviate the symptoms.
If you need expert help and guidance, we recommend reaching out to Doctor Ana. With her expertise, you can rest assured that your child’s health is in good hands and that stridor sounds in infants are resolved.
Different Types of Stridor to Be Aware Of
Parents should be aware of three types of stridor in babies: inspiratory stridor, expiratory stridor, and biphasic stridor.
Each type of stridor can indicate a different underlying condition, and it’s essential to recognize the type of stridor to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
In the following sections of this guide, we’ll elaborate on each type of stridor and discuss the possible causes and treatment options. Understanding the differences between inspiratory, expiratory, and biphasic stridor can help you take the necessary steps to ensure your child’s respiratory health.
Expiratory Stridor
The expiratory stridor is a type of stridor that occurs during exhalation. It is typically caused by an obstruction in the lower respiratory tract, such as bronchitis or asthma. Symptoms of expiratory stridor may include difficulty breathing (you may hear typical stridor sounds in infants), wheezing, and coughing. Unlike the inspiratory stridor, which occurs during inhalation, the expiratory stridor is less common in infants and children.
Inspiratory Stridor
On the other hand, the inspiratory stridor is the most common type of stridor in babies and children. It occurs when there is an obstruction in the upper respiratory tract, such as the larynx or trachea. Inspiratory stridor can be a sign of various conditions, including croup, laryngomalacia, or vocal cord paralysis. Symptoms may include a high-pitched, raspy noise during breathing, difficulty breathing, and retractions (pulling in the chest or neck muscles during breathing).
Biphasic Stridor
Biphasic stridor is a type of stridor that occurs during both inhalation and exhalation. It is often a sign of severe airway obstruction and can be caused by conditions like vocal cord paralysis, subglottic stenosis, or tracheal stenosis. Biphasic stridor can cause symptoms like noisy breathing, difficulty breathing, and cyanosis (a bluish skin discoloration due to lack of oxygen).
Causes of Stridor in Babies and Children
The most common causes of stridor in babies include:
- Laryngomalacia (a congenital condition in which the tissues of the larynx are soft and floppy)
- Croup (a viral infection that causes inflammation in the upper airway)
- Subglottic hemangioma (a benign growth that occurs in the airway)
- Subglottic stenosis (airway narrowing below the patient’s vocal cords)
- Vascular rings (abnormalities in the blood vessels that surround the trachea)
While laryngomalacia is the most common cause of stridor in infants, it usually resolves independently as the baby ages. Other conditions like croup, subglottic hemangioma, subglottic stenosis, and vascular rings may require medical intervention to alleviate the symptoms and ensure proper respiratory function.
The Most Common Stridor Breathing Risk Factors
Stridor breathing can occur in anyone, regardless of age or gender. However, infants and young children are more susceptible to stridor due to their smaller airways and underdeveloped respiratory systems. In particular, premature babies and those born with certain congenital conditions tend to suffer from stridor more often.
Additionally, children with a history of respiratory infections or exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke may also be more prone to developing stridor. Parents need to monitor their child’s breathing and seek medical attention if they notice any signs of respiratory distress, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, or a persistent cough.
The Best and Most Effective Stridor Treatment
In many cases, stridor breathing in babies and children will simply go away without any treatment. This is particularly true if the stridor is caused by laryngomalacia, a common condition typically resolves as the baby grows.
If another underlying condition causes the issue, however, stridor treatment may be necessary to address the issue and alleviate symptoms. Depending on the specific cause of the stridor, treatment may involve medications, surgery, or supportive measures like humidifying the air.
Typically, stridor treatment may include:
- Observation: If the stridor is caused by laryngomalacia, your healthcare provider may recommend monitoring your child’s breathing and waiting for the condition to resolve on its own as the baby grows.
- Medications: In some cases, medications like bronchodilators, corticosteroids, or antibiotics may be used to alleviate inflammation or infection in the airways.
- Surgery: If the stridor is caused by a structural abnormality, like subglottic stenosis or a vascular ring, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the issue.
- Supportive measures: In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend measures like humidifying the air or using a cool mist humidifier to alleviate symptoms.
How Is Stridor in Babies Diagnosed?
Diagnosing this condition can involve several different steps, depending on the suspected underlying cause. Some of the diagnostic methods that may be used include:
- Physical examination: A healthcare provider will listen to your baby’s breathing and may use a stethoscope to detect abnormal lung or airway sounds.
- Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be used to evaluate the structure of the airway and identify any obstructions or abnormalities.
- Bronchoscopy: This procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the airway to visualize any blockages or abnormalities.
- Pulmonary function tests: These tests may be used to evaluate lung function and identify any underlying respiratory issues.
In addition to these diagnostic methods, your healthcare provider may ask about your baby’s medical history, including any past respiratory infections, allergies, or other conditions. Furthermore, they may perform blood tests or other lab work to rule out any underlying infections or systemic issues.
Give Us a Call Today
If your child is experiencing breathing problems or other respiratory symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek expert guidance from a qualified healthcare provider. With the right care and attention, you can help ensure your child’s respiratory health and well-being. Give us a call today.
