J Korean Soc Laryngol Phoniatr Logoped.  2017 Jun;28(1):20-24. 10.0000/jkslpl.2017.28.1.20.

Classification and Management in Patients with Laryngomalacia

• Park GC

• KMID: 2388199
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/jkslpl.2017.28.1.20

Abstract

Laryngomalacia is the most common congenital anomaly that causes inspiratory stridor and airway obstruction in the newborn. Symptoms begin to appear after weeks of age, become worse at 4-8 months, improve between 8-12 months, and usually heal naturally at 12-18 months. Despite these common natural processes, the symptoms of the disease can be very diverse and, in severe cases, require surgical treatment. The diagnosis can be made by suspicion of clinical symptoms and direct observation of the larynx with the spontaneous breathing of the child. Typical laryngeal features include omega-shaped epiglottis, retroflexed epiglottis, short aryepiglottic fold, poor visualization of the vocal folds, and edema of the posterior glottis, including inspiratory supra-arytenoid tissue prolapse. In this review, we discuss the classification and treatment based on symptoms and laryngoscopic findings in patients with laryngomalacia.

Keyword

Laryngomalacia; Classification; Management; Comorbidity

MeSH Terms

Airway Obstruction
Child
Classification*
Comorbidity
Diagnosis
Edema
Epiglottis
Glottis
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Laryngomalacia*
Larynx
Prolapse
Respiration
Respiratory Sounds
Vocal Cords