Breathing sounds - abnormal (stridor)
Key points
- Stridor is an abnormal, high-pitched, musical breathing sound caused by a blockage in the throat or larynx, also called an extrathoracic airway obstruction.
- Children are at higher risk of airway obstruction because they have narrower airways than adults.
- Home Care Follow prescribed therapy in treating the underlying cause.
- Call your health care provider if there is any indication of unexplained stridor, especially in a child.
Alternative names
Stridor
Definition
Stridor is an abnormal, high-pitched, musical breathing sound caused by a blockage in the throat or larynx, also called an extrathoracic airway obstruction. It is usually heard when inhaling (see wheezing and abnormal lung sounds). Stridor may indicate an emergency and should always be evaluated immediately by a health care provider.
Considerations
Children are at higher risk of airway obstruction because they have narrower airways than adults. In young children, stridor is a significant sign of airway obstruction and must be treated immediately in order to prevent total airway obstruction.
The airway can be obstructed by an object, by swelling of the tissues of the throat or upper airway, or by spasm of the airway muscles or the vocal cords.
Common Causes
- Inhalation of an object such as a peanut or marble (foreign body aspiration)
- Laryngitis (acute)
- Airway trauma
- Allergic reaction
- Croup
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids (such as with tonsillitis)
- Abscess on the tonsils
- Inhalation injury (such as smoke inhalation)
- Neck surgery
- Neck or facial swelling
- Secretions, particularly phlegm (sputum)
- Vocal cord cancer
- Prolonged intubation (breathing assisted with a tube)
- Diagnostic tests such as bronchoscopy or laryngoscopy
Home Care
Follow prescribed therapy in treating the underlying cause. See also first-aid measures for choking.
Call your health care provider if
Call your health care provider if there is any indication of unexplained stridor, especially in a child.
What to expect at your health care provider's office
In emergency situations, vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) will be monitored, and the Heimlich maneuver may be necessary. Then the medical history will be obtained, and a physical examination performed. Intubation (insertion of a "breathing tube") may be necessary if there is inability to breathe properly (respiratory failure).
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
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