Pediatria pre prax 1/2008
STRIDOR IN CHILDREN – ETIOLOGY AND DIAGNOSIS
Stridor is a harsh, high-pitched, musical sound produced by turbulent airflow through a partially obstructed airway. Stridor is a sign of airway obstruction and the underlying cause must be determined for correct diagnosis and treatment. In children laryngomalacia is the most common cause of chronic stridor, while laryngitis acuta is the most common cause of acute stridor. Stridor may be inspiratory, expiratory, or biphasic. Inspiratory stridor suggests nasal, pharyngeal and laryngeal lesions. Expiratory stridor is a sign of tracheal and bronchial lesions. A biphasic stridor suggests supraglottic and subglottic obstruction. Laryngeal lesions often result in voice changes. Treatment of stridor should be directed at the underlying cause.
