[Congenital laryngomalacia in children]

Abstract

Laryngomalacia is the most common cause of congenital infantile stridor which is respiratory in all cases. It is first noted at birth and usually resolves spontaneously by the age of 2 years. In severe cases it may lead to life-threatening obstructive apnea, cor pulmonale and failure to thrive, and in these patients surgical intervention may be required. This anomaly has been described in the medical literature for over 100 years. The purpose of this study is to review the literature, present terminology, types of laryngomalacia, cause, pathogenesis and relationship with other diseases. Finally, we describe the possible methods of its treatment.