Pediatric Airway Disorders
Pediatric Airway Disorder Services
Pediatric airway disorders encompass conditions that cause obstruction, noisy breathing, or respiratory difficulty in infants and children. These include laryngomalacia (floppy tissue above the vocal cords causing stridor), laryngeal stenosis (narrowing of the voice box), tracheal stenosis (narrowing of the windpipe), and respiratory papillomatosis (recurrent growths in the airway caused by human papillomavirus).
Evaluation involves a thorough history and physical examination, often with flexible laryngoscopy or direct airway endoscopy to visualize the airway structures. Advanced imaging may be used when needed to assess the extent of narrowing or involvement.
Treatment is tailored to the specific condition and severity, ranging from observation and supportive care for mild laryngomalacia to surgical intervention such as supraglottoplasty, endoscopic dilation, laryngotracheal reconstruction, or laser treatment for papillomatosis. Our surgeons provide comprehensive evaluation and management of these complex conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pediatric airway disorders are conditions that cause breathing difficulty in children due to obstruction or narrowing of the airway. Common examples include laryngomalacia, laryngeal stenosis, tracheal stenosis, and respiratory papillomatosis.
Laryngomalacia is the most common cause of noisy breathing (stridor) in infants. It occurs when floppy tissue above the vocal cords falls into the airway during breathing. Most cases are mild and resolve on their own, but severe cases may require a procedure called supraglottoplasty.
Diagnosis typically involves a thorough history, physical examination, and flexible laryngoscopy to visualize the airway. Some children may need direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy under anesthesia or advanced imaging to fully evaluate the airway.
Surgery may be recommended when an airway disorder causes significant breathing difficulty, feeding problems, failure to thrive, or recurrent respiratory events. Your pediatric ENT will discuss the risks and benefits of intervention based on your child's specific condition.
Call (509) 624-2326 to schedule an appointment with one of our otolaryngologists for evaluation of your child's airway symptoms.