Approach to Children with Stridor
Chapter from the book:
Özdaş,
T.
(ed.)
2023.
Ear Nose Throat Diseases Review.
Synopsis
Abnormal respiratory sound in children is a finding that must be investigated. The severity of airway obstruction should be evaluated urgently. Stridor is the coarse breathing sound produced by the airflow passing through the narrowed airway. Upper airway obstruction is an important symptom to suggest. It occurs due to strictures at the vocal cord level and above. We can get an idea about the etiology with a careful history. Onset of symptoms, duration, triggering factors, accompanying symptoms, previous medical history of the patient, maternal systemic diseases and family history can guide the physician about etiology. The first thing to be evaluated in the physical examination is whether there is an urgent need for airway intervention. Flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy is the simplest, most effective and easily accessible method in the evaluation of the respiratory tract. The first thing to do in the approach to the child with stridor is to distinguish whether there is a life-threatening airway obstruction that requires urgent intervention. In this case, emergency tracheotomy or intubation may be required to ensure airway safety.