Breathing sounds - abnormal (stridor)
Definition
Stridor is an abnormal, high-pitched, musical breathing sound caused by a blockage in the throat or voice box (larynx). It is usually heard when breathing in.
See also: Wheezing
Alternative Names
Stridor; Extrathoracic airway obstructionConsiderations
Children are at higher risk of airway blockage because they have narrower airways than adults. In young children, stridor is a sign of airway blockage and must be treated right away to prevent total airway obstruction.
The airway can be blocked by an object, swelling of the tissues of the throat or upper airway, or spasm of the airway muscles or the vocal cords.
Causes
Common causes of stridor include:
- Inhaling 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
- Swelling of the neck or face
- Secretions such as phlegm (sputum)
- Vocal cord cancer
- Assisted breathing with a tube (intubation) for a long period of time
- Diagnostic tests such as bronchoscopy or laryngoscopy
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