Laryngomalacia is a common cause of stridor (the sound made by your child) in infants. The structures above the glottis collapse into the airway lumen on inspiration, producing a coarse sound. This noise begins in the first few weeks after birth and is often increased in the lying down position. It may increase in intensity in some infants during eating, crying or sleeping.
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) appears to be strongly related to laryngomalacia. In most patients the disease is self-limiting and should resolve by 18 months of age. Nearly 5% of patients have serious sequelae, such as failure to thrive or episodes of respiratory distress and cyanosis. Medical therapy for GER is helpful in some patients. Rarely, surgical therapy is required for symptom relief.