Stridor in the context of "Epiglottitis"

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⭐ Core Definition: Stridor

Stridor (from Latin stridereΒ 'to grate, screech') is an extra-thoracic high-pitched breath sound resulting from turbulent air flow in the larynx or elsewhere in the upper respiratory tract. It is different from stertor, which is a snoring noise originating in the pharynx, and wheezing, which originates in the bronchi.

Stridor is a physical sign which is caused by a narrowed or obstructed airway. It can be inspiratory, expiratory or biphasic, although it is usually heard during inspiration. Inspiratory stridor often occurs in children with croup. It may be indicative of serious airway obstruction from severe conditions such as epiglottitis, a foreign body lodged in the airway, or a laryngeal tumor. Stridor should always command attention to establish its cause. Visualization of the airway by medical experts equipped to control the airway may be needed.

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πŸ‘‰ Stridor in the context of Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis is the inflammation of the epiglottisβ€”the flap at the base of the tongue that prevents food entering the trachea (windpipe). Symptoms are usually rapid in onset and include trouble swallowing which can result in drooling, changes to the voice, fever, and an increased breathing rate. As the epiglottis is in the upper airway, swelling can interfere with breathing. People may lean forward in an effort to open the airway. As the condition worsens, stridor and bluish skin may occur.

Epiglottitis was historically mostly caused by infection by H. influenzae type b (commonly referred to as "Hib"). Following the introduction of the Hib vaccine, pediatric cases of epiglottitis fell from 3.47 cases per 100,000 children in 1980 to 0.63 cases in 1990 such that it is now more often caused by other bacteria, most commonly Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, or Staphylococcus aureus. Predisposing factors include burns and trauma to the area. The most accurate way to make the diagnosis is to look directly at the epiglottis. X-rays of the neck from the side may show a "thumbprint sign" but the lack of this sign does not mean the condition is absent.

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Stridor in the context of Croup

Croup (/kruːp/ KROOP), also known as croupy cough, is a type of respiratory infection that is usually caused by a virus. The infection leads to swelling inside the trachea, which interferes with normal breathing and produces the classic symptoms of "barking/brassy" cough, inspiratory stridor, and a hoarse voice. Fever and runny nose may also be present. These symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe. It often starts or is worse at night and normally lasts one to two days.

Croup can be caused by a number of viruses including parainfluenza and influenza virus. Rarely is it due to a bacterial infection. Croup is typically diagnosed based on signs and symptoms after potentially more severe causes, such as epiglottitis or an airway foreign body, have been ruled out. Further investigations, such as blood tests, X-rays and cultures, are usually not needed.

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Stridor in the context of Aryepiglottic fold

The aryepiglottic folds are triangular folds of mucous membrane of the larynx. They enclose ligamentous and muscular fibres. They extend from the lateral borders of the epiglottis to the arytenoid cartilages, hence the name 'aryepiglottic'. They contain the aryepiglottic muscles and form the upper borders of the quadrangular membrane. They have a role in growling as a form of phonation. They may be narrowed and cause stridor, or be shortened and cause laryngomalacia.

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LINKED FROM (PARENTS)
← Croup ← Aryepiglottic fold ← Epiglottitis
LINKS TO (CHILDREN)
Latin language → Thoracic cavity → Respiratory sounds → Turbulent → Larynx → Upper respiratory tract → Stertor → Pharynx → Wheeze → Bronchus → Airway obstruction → Inhalation → Exhalation → Biphasic disease → Croup → Epiglottitis →