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Breathing Sounds - Abnormal (Stridor)
Alternate Names : Stridor
Definition Stridor is an abnormal, high-pitched, musical breathing sound caused by a blockage in the throat or larynx, also called an extrathoracic airway obstruction. It is usually heard when inhaling (see wheezing and abnormal lung sounds). Stridor may indicate an emergency and should always be evaluated immediately by a health care provider.
Overview & Considerations
Children are at higher risk of airway obstruction because they have narrower airways than adults. In young children, stridor is a significant sign of airway obstruction and must be treated immediately in order to prevent total airway obstruction.
The airway can be obstructed by an object, by swelling of the tissues of the throat or upper airway, or by spasm of the airway muscles or the vocal cords.
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• Definition
• Overview & Considerations
• Common Causes
• Home Care & Treatment
• Call your Health Care Provider if
• What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Cancer - Throat or Larynx
• Croup
• Laryngitis
• Tonsillitis
Tests & Exams
• Bronchoscopy
• Chest X-Ray
• Laryngoscopy
• Thoracic CT
Other Topics
• Allergic Reactions
• Foreign Object Aspiration or Ingestion
• Heimlich Maneuver
• Intercostal Retractions
• Nasal Flaring
• Physical Examination
• Skin Discoloration - Bluish
• Vital Signs
• Wheezing
Review Date : 11/10/2003
Reviewed By : John Goldenring, M.D., MPH, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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