User:Mr. Ibrahem/Laryngomalacia

Laryngomalacia is an abnormal voice box that collapses when breathing in, resulting in brief periods of airway obstruction. Symptoms generally include noisy breathing or stridor that begins at or shortly after birth. The condition generally lasts a relatively long time. Complications may include bluish skin, apnea, and failure to thrive.

The cause is unknown. Risk factors may include prematurity and reflux. Proposed mechanisms include problems with neuromuscular coordination and anatomical changes. Diagnosis is generally confirmed by fiberoptic laryngoscopy.

Management is generally conservative in those with mild to moderate symptoms. This may include feeding well upright and antireflux therapy. In most cases symptoms resolve by 18 months of age. In the 15% of cases with severe symptoms surgery may be indicated.

About 1 in 2,500 babies are affected. Males and females appear to be affected equally frequently. It is the most common cause of stridor in children under the age of 1 year old. The condition was first described in the early 1800s. The term "laryngomalacia" is from the Greek for "soft larynx".