laryngomalacia
Pronunciation: lar-in-go-mah-LAY-shee-ah
Most common cause of stridor in newborns, characterized by immature laryngeal cartilage that collapses inward during inspiration.
Full Definition
Laryngomalacia is a congenital condition representing the most frequent cause of stridor in infants and young children. The condition results from immaturity of the laryngeal cartilages, particularly the epiglottis and aryepiglottic folds, which are abnormally soft and collapse inward during inspiration. This creates characteristic inspiratory stridor that worsens with agitation, feeding, or upper respiratory infections. Most cases are mild and resolve spontaneously as the cartilage matures by age 2 years. However, severe laryngomalacia can cause significant respiratory distress, feeding difficulties, failure to thrive, and may require surgical intervention with supraglottoplasty to remove excess tissue and prevent airway obstruction.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify severity level as this determines treatment approach.
In Context
- "The newborn's inspiratory stridor was diagnosed as laryngomalacia following flexible laryngoscopy." — Diagnostic report
- "Severe laryngomalacia required supraglottoplasty to relieve airway obstruction." — Surgical indication