Being a new parent requires paying close attention to many details that could potentially be signs and symptoms of a more serious health issue when it comes to your child’s well-being. One of the conditions parents are commonly concerned about is laryngomalacia, a condition that results from a birth defect in your child’s voice box or larynx.
In most cases, infants with laryngomalacia are able to eat and grow normally. However, if more severe and concerning symptoms persist, you may have to seek immediate medical attention. Read on to find out more about laryngomalacia and how to treat this condition.
What Is Laryngomalacia?
Laryngomalacia occurs when the tissue above the baby’s vocal cords is floppy and blocks the airway while the baby is breathing or eating. This may result in noisy breathing for your infant.
Laryngomalacia in most infants and newborns usually resolves on its own. However, some children may require surgery if their symptoms are more severe. If your baby needs surgery to resolve the issue of laryngomalacia, you should know by the time they are 12 months old and your doctor should inform you about the appropriate next steps.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Laryngomalacia
If you notice that your baby is breathing faster than normal, it is likely that they will be diagnosed with laryngomalacia. Usually, most babies with laryngomalacia start showing symptoms at birth or shortly afterward. The symptoms can worsen in the first few weeks of the baby’s life, and most babies outgrow this condition between 9 and 18 months. This means that the tissue in the larynx grows stiffer and makes it easier for the baby to breathe and eat.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of laryngomalacia include:
- Stridor breath sounds – noisy and squeaky breathing sound that is heard while your baby is breathing in.
- Difficulty while feeding – some babies choke and gasp for air while they are being fed.
- Problems gaining weight.
- The skin between the ribs and in the neck is sucked in while the baby is breathing.
- Making pauses in breathing while sleeping.
If you suspect your baby is suffering from laryngomalacia, make sure to consult with your pediatrician.
What Is Stridor?
Stridor or noisy breathing can be quite disturbing and alarming for parents. If you’re hearing your baby breathe this way for the first time, you may hear a wheezing or squeaking sound. Some of the factors to remember about stridor include the following:
- Stridor can worsen when the baby is crying or eating because they are putting in extra effort to breathe in these situations.
- Some babies make more noise when they are awake and others when they are asleep.
- Stridor in itself is not a major issue here, but babies gasping for air might indicate that something is wrong.
Consult Your Pediatrician About Laryngomalacia
If you’re concerned and unable to go on with your everyday activities, do not hesitate to take your child to the pediatrician and consult them about your baby’s condition. They should be able to examine the baby or infant and determine the appropriate course of action.
Once you’re in the pediatrician’s office, be prepared to answer all the important questions about your baby’s well-being. This can help the pediatrician to evaluate your baby’s state and provide them with the necessary care and treatment. Some of the information you may have to tell the doctor include the following:
- Describe your baby’s breathing patterns and everything that affects it.
- Talk about your baby’s weight – make sure to note if they are losing weight or not gaining enough because this might indicate that they cannot eat and swallow properly.
- Describe your baby’s sleeping patterns and tell the pediatrician about any unusual pauses during their sleep.
- Make sure to tell them about your baby’s lips turning blue if you’ve noticed that happen often.
Following your child’s behavior can help the pediatrician diagnose them correctly and ensure adequate care and treatment. Although studies show that laryngomalacia is a common condition in babies and children, we urge you to seek medical evaluation if more serious symptoms persist. At Worldwide Pediatrics Group, we are at your disposal at all times for any questions you may have about laryngomalacia and other health conditions in children. Our team can help you stay informed and prepared to react in case of an emergency.
