Stridor in asian infants: assessment and treatment

Wong Birgitta Yee-Hang1, Hui Theresa, Lee So-Lun

  • 1Division of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.

ISRN Otolaryngology
|June 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Stridor in infants, a sign of upper airway obstruction, has diverse causes. This study reviews diagnostic and treatment approaches for infant stridor at a tertiary center.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Neonatal Respiratory Medicine
  • Airway Management

Background:

  • Stridor is a primary symptom of upper airway obstruction in infants, presenting acutely or chronically, congenitally or acquired.
  • Pathologies range from the nasal passages to the trachea, encompassing conditions like laryngomalacia, vocal cord palsy, subglottic stenosis, and vascular malformations.
  • Accurate diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial for successful management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the diagnostic and treatment strategies for infant stridor at a tertiary care center.
  • To review the causes of stridor in infants undergoing rigid laryngotracheobronchoscopy.
  • To discuss management protocols for various pediatric airway conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of infants with stridor undergoing rigid laryngotracheobronchoscopy (2005-2011).
  • Assessment utilizing flexible and rigid endoscopy.
  • Analysis of treatment outcomes for diverse etiologies.

Main Results:

  • Identification of common causes of infant stridor, including congenital and acquired conditions.
  • Evaluation of the efficacy of endoscopic assessment in diagnosis.
  • Discussion of tailored treatment approaches based on specific pathologies.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of infant stridor necessitates a multidisciplinary approach involving ENT surgeons, pediatricians, and anesthesiologists.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention are key to improving outcomes for neonates with airway obstruction.
  • A structured diagnostic and treatment pathway is essential in a tertiary care setting.

Related Concept Videos

Trachea01:22

Trachea

The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a vital part of the human respiratory system. It serves as a passageway for air to travel between the larynx and the bronchi, allowing oxygen to reach the lungs. Let's explore its anatomical features, dimensions, layers of the tracheal wall, associated muscles, and the functions of its parts.
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of the...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques01:30

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques

Airway management is essential in emergency and surgical medicine, ensuring ventilation and oxygenation in patients who cannot maintain their own airway. Clinicians use a range of techniques and devices to secure the airway, depending on the patient’s condition and the clinical context. Key methods include endotracheal intubation, rapid sequence intubation (RSI), supraglottic airway devices, and advanced visualization aids. In cases where these approaches fail, surgical airway interventions are...
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles01:30

Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles

A thorough assessment of respiratory health is paramount in clinical settings to identify and manage respiratory distress and ensure adequate oxygenation. This article elaborates on the critical aspects of respiratory evaluation, including airway assessment, skin color examination, and the observation of accessory muscle use, which are integral to effectively diagnosing and managing patients with respiratory conditions.
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Tonsillitis II: Management01:26

Tonsillitis II: Management

This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management01:22

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management

Airway management is a key skill in emergency and critical care settings, as maintaining a clear airway is essential for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.Head Tilt-Chin Lift TechniqueThe head tilt-chin lift maneuver is an essential technique primarily used in patients without suspected cervical spine injuries. To perform this maneuver, one hand is placed on the patient’s forehead, and gentle pressure is applied backward to tilt the head. The fingertips of the other hand are positioned under...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...