57. Stridor

Question 1

Stridor - what is it?

Answer 1

A harsh sound, heard loudest on inspiration, indicating upper respiratory tract obstruction

Question 2

Causes of stridor.

a) Children
b) Adults

Answer 2

a) Croup, inhaled foreign body, anaphylaxis, abscess (e.g. peritonsillar)
- Congenital: laryngomalacia, tracheal stenosis, choanal atresia

b) Airway trauma, laryngitis, laryngospasm, anaphylaxis, inhaled foreign body, epiglottitis, peritonsillar abscess, throat cancer

Question 3

Management of stridor.

a) General principles
b) Specific treatments for specific causes

Answer 3

a) - Airway management - use oxygen and airway adjuncts as necessary. If total obstruction - cricothyroidotomy
- Keep nil by mouth

b) - Croup - dexamethasone
- Anaphylaxis - adrenaline, hydrocortisone and chlorphenamine (+ oxygen and IV fluids)
- Epiglottitis/peritonsillar abscess - IV Abx