Common Questions About Laryngomalacia in Babies

Common Questions About Laryngomalacia in Babies

Laryngomalacia is a common condition that can affect infants, causing a variety of symptoms and concerns for parents. This article will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Laryngomalacia in babies, providing valuable information for those seeking to understand more about this condition.

What is Laryngomalacia in babies?

Laryngomalacia is a congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth, where the tissues of the larynx (voice box) are soft and floppy. This can cause the tissues to collapse over the airway, leading to noisy breathing or stridor. It is the most common cause of chronic stridor in infancy.

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What are the symptoms of Laryngomalacia in babies?

Common symptoms of Laryngomalacia in babies include noisy breathing or stridor, especially when the baby is lying on their back, feeding difficulties, choking during feeding, poor weight gain, and in severe cases, blue spells or apnea.

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How does Laryngomalacia progress in a baby?

Laryngomalacia usually becomes apparent in the first few weeks of life and symptoms may worsen over the first few months. However, as the child grows and the laryngeal structures mature, the condition often improves. Most children outgrow the condition by the time they are 18 to 20 months old.

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At what age are babies vulnerable to Laryngomalacia?

Laryngomalacia is typically present at birth and becomes apparent within the first 10 days to two weeks of life. It can affect babies of any age, but symptoms are usually most severe between 4 and 8 months of age.

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How often can Laryngomalacia occur in babies?

Laryngomalacia is the most common cause of stridor in newborns, affecting approximately 45-75% of all infants with stridor. It is more common in boys than in girls.

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Why can Laryngomalacia appear in a baby?

The exact cause of Laryngomalacia is not known. It is thought to be due to immaturity of the cartilage in the larynx, which causes it to be soft and floppy instead of stiff.

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Is Laryngomalacia potentially dangerous for babies?

In most cases, Laryngomalacia is not dangerous and does not affect a baby's ability to grow and develop. However, in severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening breathing difficulties and require surgical intervention.

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Can Laryngomalacia in babies resolve on its own?

Yes, in most cases, Laryngomalacia resolves on its own as the child grows and the laryngeal structures mature. This usually happens by the time the child is 18 to 20 months old.

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What can help with Laryngomalacia in a baby?

Most cases of Laryngomalacia do not require treatment and will resolve on their own. In severe cases, or if the baby is having trouble feeding or gaining weight, treatment may be necessary. This can include medication, feeding modifications, or in rare cases, surgery.

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Laryngomalacia in a baby - when to consult a doctor?

If your baby has noisy breathing, feeding difficulties, poor weight gain, or any other symptoms of Laryngomalacia, you should consult a doctor. It is also important to seek immediate medical attention if your baby has difficulty breathing, turns blue, or has apnea.

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Which type of doctor should be consulted for Laryngomalacia in a baby?

If you suspect your baby has Laryngomalacia, you should consult a pediatrician. They may refer you to a pediatric otolaryngologist, a doctor who specializes in ear, nose, and throat disorders in children.

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Information sources


1. "Laryngomalacia." MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 26 April 2021, https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/laryngomalacia/.
2. "Laryngomalacia." Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/laryngomalacia.
3. "Laryngomalacia." Boston Children's Hospital, https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/l/laryngomalacia.