Congenital laryngeal stridor

Congenital laryngeal stridor is medically known as congenital laryngomalacia, which refers to the excessive weakness and flaccidity of laryngeal tissues (epiglottis, arytenoid cartilage, and aryepiglottic folds). During inspiration, these laryngeal tissues collapse and obstruct the laryngeal inlet, leading to stridor and even dyspnea, making it difficult to maintain normal ventilation. It is the most common cause of laryngeal stridor in neonates and infants, accounting for approximately 54% to 75% of infantile laryngeal stridor cases. The stridor symptoms typically appear 2 to 3 weeks after birth and spontaneously resolve by 18 to 24 months of age. Therefore, most mild cases do not require specific treatment, while a few severe cases may necessitate medication or surgical intervention.