Laryngomalacia in children

Chest. 1990 Oct;98(4):942-4. doi: 10.1378/chest.98.4.942.

Abstract

Two hundred three (68 percent) of 297 children with laryngomalacia had associated respiratory disorders by flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FFB). Associated disorders included congenital respiratory anomalies, a variety of anatomic obstructions of the upper and lower airways, and aspiration disorders. Mean age for isolated laryngomalacia (type 1) was 11.5 weeks (range, 5 weeks to 4 months) while children with laryngomalacia and associated respiratory disorders (type 2) had a mean age of 9.06 years (range, 6 weeks to 18 years). We conclude the following: (1) complete evaluation of the pediatric airways (bronchoscopy) is recommended in every symptomatic child with diagnosis of laryngomalacia confirmed by laryngoscopy; (2) type 1 laryngomalacia was more common in early infancy while type 2 laryngomalacia was associated with older age; (3) although type 2 laryngomalacia is the most common endoscopic diagnosis in our experience, the majority of cases were associated with lower airway dysfunction.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Larynx / abnormalities*
  • Male
  • Respiratory Sounds / etiology
  • Retrospective Studies