Stridor is a medical term used to describe a high-pitched, harsh, and noisy breathing sound that occurs during inspiration (inhaling) or expiration (exhaling). The sound is typically caused by the partial obstruction of the upper airway, specifically the windpipe or larynx.
This condition is often characterized by a loud, wheezing sound that is audible without the aid of a stethoscope. The stridor noise can vary in intensity and pitch, depending on the severity of the obstruction. It is commonly heard in infants and children but can also occur in adults.
Stridor is often associated with underlying medical conditions such as croup, a respiratory infection that causes swelling in the airway, or acute epiglottitis, a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the epiglottis. Other causes may include foreign body inhalation, vocal cord dysfunction, or tumors blocking the airway.
Medical professionals may use different methods to diagnose and treat stridor, depending on the underlying cause. This can involve a thorough physical examination, imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans, or direct visualization techniques such as laryngoscopy.
Treatment for stridor aims at addressing the underlying cause of the obstruction. This may involve medications like corticosteroids to reduce inflammation or antibiotics to treat infections. In severe cases, an emergency intervention to secure the airway, such as intubation or a tracheostomy, may be necessary.
