What Exactly Is Laryngomalacia?
A particular voice box defect that affects newborns is laryngomalacia. Tissues above the voice box that are loose and fall back over the airway cause the disorder. The most frequent reason for infants' noisy breathing is laryngomalacia. Congenital means existing at birth, and laryngomalacia is one such condition.
What Distinguishes Tracheomalacia from Laryngomalacia?
The conditions tracheomalacia and laryngomalacia both affect the airway. Tracheomalacia is characterized by loose or weak windpipe cartilage, whereas laryngomalacia refers to loose tissues above the voice box. Compared to laryngomalacia, tracheomalacia is much less frequent and typically more problematic.
Who Are Commonly Affected by Laryngomalacia?
Infants are primarily affected by laryngomalacia. Adult laryngomalacia is extremely uncommon, but it can happen.
What Are Laryngomalacia Signs and Symptoms?
Laryngomalacia in infants can cause mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. Stridor is the most typical symptom of laryngomalacia (loud, squeaky noises that occur when the baby breathes in). Stridor symptoms frequently worsen for several months before going away after a year. Despite the alarming sound of stridor, most infants with laryngomalacia have no problems breathing or feeding. Infants with mild laryngomalacia typically have louder breathing while lying down, sleeping, crying, or eating.
Some infants may experience extreme laryngomalacia symptoms, including the following, but are less frequent:
-
Respiration is very loud and noisy.
-
Having trouble swallowing (dysphagia).
-
Apnea (long pauses in breathing).
-
Cyanosis (a disorder that causes the skin to develop a bluish color).
-
Aspiration (drawing food into the lungs).
-
A poor increase in weight.
-
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease characterized by chronic acid reflux).
-
Breathing causes pulling or tugging around the neck or chest.
Contact the doctor immediately if the infant displays any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Why Does Laryngomalacia Occur?
Uncertainty over the precise cause has led specialists to speculate that it may have something to do with how the voice box develops in the womb. Perhaps the muscles that support the voice box are too relaxed or too weak. In addition, GERD, which is typical in infants with laryngomalacia, may exacerbate laryngomalacia symptoms.
How Is Laryngomalacia Diagnosed?
The doctor will examine the child and inquire about the general health of the child. A procedure known as a nasopharyngolaryngoscopy (NPL), which employs a tiny camera to observe the baby's voice box, may also be done.
It may be required to perform additional testing to establish the severity of the illness if laryngomalacia is diagnosed.
They may consist of:
Chest X Rays: X-rays of the neck or chest can show the doctor whether the child has any other anomalies that might be causing their breathing to be noisy.
Microlaryngoscopy and Bronchoscopy (ML&B): To determine what is causing the baby's loud breathing, a lighted scope is used to check the windpipe and voice box. Under general anesthesia, ML&B is carried out.
Airway Fluoroscopy Procedure: Using the use of X-rays and a contrast material (such a dye), the airways are illuminated during an airway fluoroscopy procedure.
Impedance Probe: A tiny tube is introduced via the nose and into the esophagus during this operation. The stomach acid that enters the esophagus is then measured using an apparatus. Infants who undergo this treatment typically stay in the hospital for at least one night.
How Is Laryngomalacia Managed?
The majority of the time, laryngomalacia resolves naturally within a year. Yet if the infant develops severe laryngomalacia, treatment like medication or surgery can be required.
Medication for Laryngomalacia: The doctor might suggest an anti-reflux drug if GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease) is causing the baby's laryngomalacia. If reflux contributes to laryngomalacia, it is critical to keep it under control because GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) can exacerbate the edema that comes with it.
Surgery for Laryngomalacia: Surgery for laryngomalacia entails removing the floppy, frail tissue above the voice box. The supraglottoplasty surgery is carried out in an operating room while the patient is under general anesthesia.
How Long Does Recovery Take After Laryngomalacia Treatment?
The kid may sound worse for a few days after laryngomalacia surgery. This is typical and results from edema and inflammation near the vocal cords. The noisy breathing should progressively get better, and it should take around two weeks for full recovery.
What Are Strategies Employed to Feed Infant with Laryngomalacia?
Laryngomalacia in infants can make it challenging for them to swallow. This indicates that food frequently enters the mouth again (reflux). To lessen the child's reflux, heed the doctor's advice.
The following safety measures can be employed when feeding the child:
-
Hold the infant upright at feeding time and for at least 30 minutes after. This prevents food from rising again after eating.
-
During feedings, gently and frequently burp the infant.
-
Avoid giving children liquids or stomach-upsetting foods like orange juice oranges.
-
If the child frequently mentions food while being fed, consult a healthcare professional. One might be instructed to give their child less milk to avoid reflux.
-
Never place a bottle-supported baby flat on their back.
-
Discuss with the provider about the child's appropriate diet. Certain infants with reflux may also need medication to help treat GER (gastroesophageal reflux).
When Should One Visit the Emergency Room?
Whenever the child experiences any of the following:
- Stop breathing for periods longer than ten seconds.
- Regardless of having been awakened or moved, feels a tugging or "pulling in" in the chest or neck.
- Surrounding the lips develops a blue tint.
Is Laryngomalacia Preventable?
There is currently no known way to avoid laryngomalacia because it is a congenital disorder.
Is Laryngomalacia Potentially Fatal?
Laryngomalacia is typically not harmful because most babies with the disorder can still breathe, despite the associated noisy breathing. While most infants outgrow laryngomalacia, a few will need surgery to treat the condition.
Conclusion
For new parents, in particular, laryngomalacia might be alarming. Generally speaking, the illness is not harmful, even though noisy breathing can be concerning. But if parents have any concerns about their baby's health, it is always a good idea to make an appointment with the doctor.
