Laryngomalacia

Classification according to ICD-10
Q31.5	Congenital laryngomalacia I86879
ICD-10 online (WHO version 2019)

Laryngomalacia (from Latin larynx " larynx ", malacia "pathological softening", "dissolution") is pathological softening of the larynx due to insufficient calcium build-up in the laryngeal skeleton. The supraglottic structures such as the epiglottis and anterior cartilage are affected, so that due to the abnormal softness, inspiratory stridorous breathing ("staccato breathing") with possible cyanosis results. Laryngoscopically , the aryepiglottic folds appear shortened, the lateral edges of the epiglottis are rolled inwards.

therapy

In the majority of cases (90%) the laryngomalacia heals spontaneously. The sounds when breathing typically increase during the first 6 months of life and then decrease until the age of two. Special therapy is rarely necessary. Reasons for further investigation include: problems with nutrition, with the child's height and weight gain, or a general developmental delay. Regular observations should be made until the larynx skeleton has solidified.

Therapeutic options include a supraglottoplasty, surgical correction of the larynx entrance, and a temporary tracheotomy . The latter option is only required in extreme cases. In addition to the weakness of the larynx, the children usually also have other congenital malformations of the airways.

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