Dr. Lynn Cates
Specializing in pediatric infectious diseases and childhood immunizations.
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 Ask Dr. Cates
Stridor or Noisy Breathing | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Cates,
I have a three-week-old that has just been diagnosed with sudden onset stridor. Can you explain to me exactly what that is, and what can be done for it? Thanks.
— Barbara in New Orleans ,LA. | | | ANSWER |
May 14, 2001 | | | Dear Barbara,
Congratulations on your new baby! As I'm sure you have learned, stridor means that your baby is making a harsh sound when she breathes in. This noise results from a partial blockage of her throat or trachea (the tube leading down to the lungs). There are many causes of this kind of obstruction. The most common in this age group are congenital abnormalities of the trachea or surrounding tissues, and croup or other infections. Less common causes in the first month of life are injuries and foreign body aspiration. All of these conditions, as well as allergies, can cause stridor in older children.
It is hard for me to say exactly what needs to be done for your daughter since the treatment and outlook for stridor depend on what is causing the obstruction. The stridor caused by congenital abnormalities sometimes resolves by itself as the child grows. In other cases a child may need intervention such as surgery to correct the problem. Most infections that cause stridor go away by themselves, but some require prompt and aggressive medical management to keep the child's airway from closing completely. If the blockage is caused by a foreign object in the trachea, it will be cured by removing it. What is most important is that she be followed closely by her practitioner for this condition, and if she gets worse, don't hesitate to call for help right away. Anytime a child has sudden onset of noisy breathing, or looks like she is having trouble breathing, you should contact an experienced healthcare provider immediately.— by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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