Laryngomalacia

Abstract

Laryngomalacia is a congenital immaturity of the cartilages of the supraglottis that presents with high-pitched inspiratory stridor that worsens with crying, feeding, or lying supine. It is the most common cause of stridor in the newborn and usually presents around 2 weeks of age. However, it may also present anytime within the first 2-4 months of life (Bedwell and Zalzal, Semin Pediatr Surg 25(3):119-122, 2016; McSwiney et al. Arch Dis Child 52(3):215-218, 1977; Landry and Thompson, Int J Pediatr 2012:753526, 2012). Laryngomalacia symptoms typically peak at age 6-8 months and resolve by age 12-24 months (Landry and Thompson, Int J Pediatr 2012:753526, 2012). About 10% of laryngomalacia cases will require surgical intervention for apnea or failure to thrive secondary to feeding intolerance or utilizing excessive calories for respiration.