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Stridor is an abnormal, high-pitched, musical breathing sound caused by a blockage in the throat or voice box (larynx). It is usually heard when taking in a breath.
See also: Wheezing
Alternative NamesBreathing sounds - abnormal; Extrathoracic airway obstruction
ConsiderationsChildren are at higher risk of airway blockage because they have narrower airways than adults. In young children, stridor is a sign of airway blockage and must be treated right away to prevent total airway obstruction.
The airway can be blocked by an object, swelling of the tissues of the throat or upper airway, or spasm of the airway muscles or the vocal cords.
Common CausesCommon causes of stridor include:
- Abscess on the tonsils
- Airway injury
- Allergic reaction
- Croup
- Diagnostic tests such as bronchoscopy or laryngoscopy
- Epiglottitis, inflammation of the cartilage that covers the trachea (windpipe)
- Inhaling an object such as a peanut or marble (foreign body aspiration)
- Laryngitis
- Neck surgery
- Use of a breathing tube for a long time
- Secretions such as phlegm (sputum)
- Smoke inhalation or other inhalation injury
- Swelling of the neck or face
- Swollen tonsils or adenoids (such as with tonsillitis)
- Vocal cord cancer
Follow your doctor's advice to treat the cause of the problem.
See also: Choking
Call your health care provider ifStridor may be a sign of an emergency. Call your health care provider right away if there is unexplained stridor, especially in a child.
What to expect at your health care provider's officeIn an emergency, the health care provider will check the person's temperature, pulse, breathing rate, blood pressure, and may need to do the Heimlich maneuver.
A breathing tube may be needed if the person can't breathe properly.
After the person is stable, the health care worker may ask questions about the patient's medical history, and perform a physical exam. This includes listening to the lungs.
Parents or caregivers may be asked the following medical history questions:
- Is the abnormal breathing a high-pitched sound?
- Did the breathing problem start suddenly?
- Could the child have put something in the mouth?
- Has the child been ill recently?
- Is the child's neck or face swollen?
- Has the child been coughing or complaining of a sore throat?
- What other symptoms does the child have? (For example, nasal flaring or bluish color to the skin, lips, or nails)
- Is the child using chest muscles to breathe (intercostal retractions)?
Tests that may be done include:
- Arterial blood gas analysis
- Bronchoscopy
- CT scan, thoracic
- Laryngoscopy(examination of the voice box)
- Pulse oximetry to measure blood oxygen level
- X-ray of the chest or neck
Sobol SE, Zapata S. Epiglottitis and croup. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2008;41(3);551-566.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 04/26/2010
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
What else can I help you with?
What is the difference between stridor and wheeze?
wheeze can be inspiratory or expiratory but stridor is mostly inspiratory
Which immunoglobulin can cause wheezing and stridor?
iga
What is an abnormal high-pitched harsh or crowing sound that is heard during inspiration known as?
This sound is known as stridor and is typically caused by a blockage or narrowing in the upper airway. It is important to seek medical attention if stridor is present as it can be a sign of a serious condition that requires treatment.
What is the medical term meaning abnormal high pitched musical breathing sound caused by a blockage in the throat or larynx?
Stridor is the medical term meaning high-pitched breathing sound caused by blockage. Stridor may be a sign of an inhaled foreign body or of epiglottitis.
What is hoarse whistling sound produced by breathing called?
The hoarse whistling sound produced by breathing is typically known as stridor. Stridor can be caused by a blockage or narrowing of the airway, which leads to difficulty breathing and a high-pitched sound when inhaling or exhaling. It is important to seek medical attention if experiencing persistent stridor.
What are some nursing interventions stridor?
sit upright oxygen
What acute viral infection of early childhood is marking by stridor?
croup
What describes an abnormal high pitched harsh or crowing sound that is heard during inspiration?
Stridor describes an abnormal high-pitched, harsh or crowing sound that is heard during inspiration. It typically occurs due to obstruction of the airway, often by inflammation, swelling, or a foreign object. Stridor can be a sign of a serious medical condition and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
What is the Term for a crowing sound heard on inspiration as a result of an obstruction of the upper airway?
Stridor
What is a high-pitched inspiratory sound for the larynx?
A high-pitched inspiratory sound for the larynx is called stridor. It is often caused by a blockage or narrowing of the upper airway, and can be indicative of a serious medical condition that requires prompt evaluation and treatment.
Stridor and cough are symptoms of?
While coughing is usually related to some sort of irritation of the airway (smoke, dust, infections, others), leading to the body's reflex mechanism to expel the irritating substance, stridor is more common in cases where the airway is partly obstructed.
Stridor occurs in which upper respiratory disorder?
Stridor is commonly associated with conditions that cause airway obstruction, such as croup, epiglottitis, and foreign body inhalation. It is a high-pitched, inspiratory sound that occurs due to turbulent airflow through a partially obstructed airway. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include medications, positioning, or in severe cases, airway management procedures.
