Laryngomalacia

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2013 Aug;60(4):893-902. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2013.04.013. Epub 2013 Jun 14.

Abstract

Laryngomalacia is the most common cause of stridor in infants. Stridor results from upper airway obstruction caused by collapse of supraglottic tissue into the airway. Most cases of laryngomalacia are mild and self-resolve, but severe symptoms require investigation and intervention. There is a strong association with gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients with laryngomalacia, and thus medical treatment with antireflux medications may be indicated. Supraglottoplasty is the preferred surgical treatment of laryngomalacia, reserved only for severe cases. Proper identification of those patients who require medical and surgical intervention is key to providing treatment with successful outcomes.

Keywords: Aryepiglottoplasty; Laryngomalacia; Stridor; Supraglottoplasty; Upper airway obstruction.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / complications
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Laryngomalacia / complications
  • Laryngomalacia / diagnosis*
  • Laryngomalacia / physiopathology
  • Laryngomalacia / therapy*
  • Laryngoscopy
  • Respiratory Sounds / etiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index