How do I know if I have Laryngomalacia?

Laryngomalacia is a congenital condition where the tissues of the larynx are softer than usual, causing them to fall over the airway opening during inhalation. While it is the most common cause of noisy breathing in infants, it is rare for it to go undiagnosed until adulthood; if you are experiencing persistent breathing sounds or swallowing difficulties, a clinical evaluation is necessary to rule out other airway obstructions.

What are the primary signs of Laryngomalacia?

In infants, Laryngomalacia typically presents as "stridor," a high-pitched, musical sound during breathing that often worsens when the baby is lying on their back, crying, or feeding. In the rare cases where symptoms persist or appear later in life, individuals may report a chronic "wet" sounding breath, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), or a feeling of something being stuck in the throat. Because Laryngomalacia involves structural laxity of the laryngeal cartilage, symptoms often fluctuate based on body position.

How is Laryngomalacia diagnosed?

If you suspect you have Laryngomalacia, you should consult an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist or a laryngologist. They will typically perform a flexible laryngoscopy, a procedure where a thin, lighted tube is passed through the nose to visualize the larynx in real-time. Key diagnostic markers include:

• Inward collapse of the aryepiglottic folds during inspiration.


• An omega-shaped or redundant epiglottis that obstructs the airway.


• Shortened aryepiglottic folds that pull the epiglottis backward.

When should I seek urgent medical care?

Seek immediate emergency evaluation if you or a loved one experiences "red flag" symptoms associated with airway obstruction. These include severe retractions (skin pulling in at the neck or chest while breathing), cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin or lips), significant difficulty swallowing, or periods where breathing seems to stop. Distinguishing between normal, quiet breathing and the structural obstruction of Laryngomalacia requires professional imaging, as many other conditions can mimic these sounds.

Next steps

• Schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist and specifically request a flexible laryngoscopy.


• Keep a symptom log noting if your breathing sounds are positional or triggered by specific activities.


• Join our community at DiseaseMaps.org to connect with others who have navigated diagnoses like Laryngomalacia.


• If your concerns are dismissed, ask for a referral to a tertiary academic medical center specializing in airway disorders.

Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions regarding a medical condition.

References

• NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Laryngomalacia overview.


• Orphanet: Rare disease database entry for congenital laryngeal malformations.


• American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery: Clinical guidelines for pediatric airway management.