Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
stridor
Pronunciation: STRY-door
High-pitched breathing sound indicating upper airway obstruction.
Full Definition
An abnormal, high-pitched respiratory sound caused by turbulent airflow through a narrowed or obstructed upper airway, typically at the level of the larynx or trachea. Stridor can be inspiratory (most common, indicating supraglottic or glottic obstruction), expiratory (suggesting subglottic or tracheal narrowing), or biphasic (indicating severe obstruction). In pediatric patients, stridor is particularly concerning due to the smaller diameter of airways and requires immediate evaluation and intervention.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from wheeze (lower airway) and specify timing (inspiratory/expiratory).
In Context
- "Inspiratory stridor was audible without a stethoscope." — Physical examination
- "Post-extubation stridor responded to racemic epinephrine." — Treatment documentation
Also known as
noisy breathing
upper airway noise
Contrasted with
clear breath sounds
quiet breathing
Don't confuse with
wheeze
stertor