Stridor in Children

Name: Stridor in Children - Pulse Reference
Published: 2022-08-02T17:42:01+00:00

Differential Diagnosis

Key distinguishing features of the most common diagnoses

	Viral Croup	Epiglottitis	Laryngitis	Obstruction	Laryngeal Paralysis
Very Sudden Onset	No	Yes	No	Yes	No
Continuous Stridor	Possible	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Toxic and Feverish	Possible	Yes	No	No	No
Drooling Saliva	No	Yes	No	No	No
Very Sore Throat	No	Yes	No	Possible	No

There are no investigations likely to be performed in primary care. The following might be performed in hospital: FBC (WCC raised in infection), lateral X-ray of pharynx (enlarged epiglottis in epiglottitis), CXR (may show foreign body, distal collapse or external compression of larynx or trachea) and laryngoscopy (for direct visualisation of the larynx).

In practice, the first step is to exclude those conditions requiring immediate admission (epiglottitis or inhaled foreign body), leaving a probable diagnosis of viral croup. Management then depends on the child’s general condition – in particular, the level of respiratory distress.
Children with viral croup may have marked stridor and some recession when crying. It is reasonable to observe such children at home provided these signs disappear when the child is settled.
When managing a child at home, make absolutely sure that the parents understand the signs of deterioration. If in doubt, arrange review.

The toxic child with low-pitched stridor (often not marked), severe sore throat or difficulty in swallowing, and respiratory distress has epiglottitis until proved otherwise. Admit immediately and do not examine the throat (this can provoke respiratory obstruction).
Restlessness, rising pulse and respiratory rate, increasing intercostal recession, fatigue and drowsiness are ominous signs – admit urgently regardless of precise diagnosis.
Consider an inhaled foreign body if the onset is very sudden and there are no other symptoms or signs of respiratory infection.