Laryngomalacia (1176)

Key points below


What is laryngomalacia?Laryngomalacia

Laryngomalacia is a condition that affects the voice box structures, also known as larynx.  Tissue above the voice box, including the epiglottis, protects against food and liquid from going through the voice box, and into the lungs. However, if the tissue is too floppy, it may fall over the airway opening and block part of it. This causes noisy breathing called stridor. The condition usually corrects itself as a child grows but may last until 1½ years of age.

What causes it? 

The cause is not known, but it is often present at birth. It may be due to muscles that are not fully developed. It could be from an underdeveloped nervous system in that area.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms can start within the first two weeks of life, but can show up as late as 1½ years of age. The main symptom is noisy breathing when taking a breath in. The noise may get louder when your child cries, plays, feeds or sleeps on the back. Other symptoms may include:

The symptoms may get worse over the first few months. Most children will outgrow the noisy breathing by 12 to 18 months of age.

Some children with laryngomalacia also have Gastric Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). This is when spit up (reflux) travels from the stomach and into the mouth. It can cause the floppy tissue above the voice box to swell and make breathing sound even louder. Your child’s primary care doctor may need to prescribe medicine to treat GERD.

How is Laryngomalacia diagnosed?

The diagnosis is made in a number of ways:

Bring your child to the hospital Emergency Room if:

For more health and wellness information check out this resource: 

https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child:

  • Often vomits after eating.
  • Is not gaining weight.
  • Stops nursing often or takes longer than 30 minutes to take a bottle.
  • Chokes and gags with each feeding.
  • Has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.