We did not find Laryngomalacia in Barranquilla, Colombia

What is laryngomalacia?

It is the most common cause of stridor, the high-pitched breathing noise, in newborns and babies. The tissues at the top of the larynx are soft and immature and collapse inward when breathing in, causing the noise.

How does it show?

A high-pitched sound when inhaling that appears in the first weeks of life, worsens with crying, feeding, lying on the back or colds, and improves on the tummy or when calm. Often the baby is comfortable and grows well despite the noise. It is frequently associated with reflux.

Does it go away on its own?

In most cases, yes. The noise usually increases until 4 to 8 months and then improves, typically disappearing between 12 and 24 months as the larynx matures. Meanwhile the baby is monitored and reflux is treated if present.

When does it need more tests or surgery?

If the baby has trouble feeding, chokes, does not gain weight, has breathing pauses, turns blue or strongly retracts the chest when breathing. In these cases, the specialist examines the airway with an endoscope and, in severe cases, a small surgery through the mouth (supraglottoplasty) solves the problem.

Find laryngomalacia specialists

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