What Is Laryngomalacia?
Laryngomalacia is the most common cause of noisy breathing in infants. It happens when the tissues above your baby's larynx are softer than usual and briefly fall inward during breathing. As air passes through this area, it creates a high-pitched, squeaky sound known as stridor. The condition is present from birth, although the noise may not become noticeable until the first few weeks of life.In most babies, laryngomalacia is mild and does not interfere with normal growth or development. As your baby's airway strengthens with age, breathing sounds usually improve and often disappear without the need for surgery.
What Kind of Breathing Sounds Might You Hear?
If your baby has laryngomalacia, you may notice that they:- Make a high-pitched squeaking or whistling sound while breathing in
- Sound noisier during feeding, crying, or when excited
- Have louder breathing when lying on their back
- Breathe more quietly when relaxed or sleeping
- Have sounds that vary from day to day or become more noticeable during a cold
Signs and Symptoms of Laryngomalacia
Along with noisy breathing, you may observe that your baby:- Takes frequent pauses or seems tired during feeds
- Spits up milk more often than usual
- Prefers to be held upright because breathing seems more comfortable
- Has breathing that sounds louder when lying flat
- Is not gaining weight as expected if feeding has become difficult
- Seems uncomfortable or fussy during or after feeds
How Is Laryngomalacia Diagnosed?
To diagnose laryngomalacia, your doctor may:- Ask when you first noticed your baby's noisy breathing and whether it changes during feeding, crying, or sleeping.
- Check your baby's breathing, feeding, and overall growth.
- Recommend a flexible laryngoscopy, a quick procedure that uses a small camera to look at your baby's voice box.
- Suggest additional tests if your baby has trouble feeding, poor weight gain, or more severe breathing problems.
Does Laryngomalacia Go Away on Its Own?
Yes, in most cases, laryngomalacia improves without surgery as your baby grows. The tissues around the voice box gradually become firmer, making breathing quieter over time. You may notice the breathing sounds become more noticeable during the first few months before they start to improve. Most babies outgrow the condition by 12 to 24 months of age.How Is Laryngomalacia Treated?
Treatment depends on how severe your baby's symptoms are.- Mild symptoms: Most babies only need regular check-ups to monitor their breathing, feeding, and growth. No specific treatment is usually required.
- Feeding support: If feeding is difficult, your doctor may recommend smaller, more frequent feeds and keeping your baby upright for a while after feeding.
- Managing reflux: Some babies also have acid reflux, which can make symptoms worse. Treating reflux may help reduce discomfort.
- Severe symptoms: If your baby has significant breathing difficulties, poor weight gain, frequent choking, or pauses in breathing, your doctor may refer you to a specialist. In rare cases, a surgery called supraglottoplasty may be recommended to improve the airway.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Speak to your doctor if your baby:- Has noisy breathing that becomes louder or happens more often
- Has difficulty feeding during feeds
- Chokes, coughs, or vomits frequently while feeding
- The skin around the ribs or neck pulls in with each breath.
- Your baby's lips, tongue, or skin look blue or grey.
- Your baby stops breathing for a few seconds or has repeated breathing pauses
- Develops a fever or worsening breathing after a cold or other illness
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FAQs on Why Does My Baby Make Noisy Breathing Sounds? Could It Be Laryngomalacia?
- Can babies with laryngomalacia breastfeed normally?
Yes, many babies with laryngomalacia can breastfeed successfully. However, some may tire easily, cough, or take longer to finish a feed. If feeding becomes difficult or your baby is not gaining weight well, speak with your doctor or a lactation consultant for guidance. - Does laryngomalacia affect my baby's growth?
Most babies with mild laryngomalacia grow normally. In more severe cases, feeding difficulties may lead to slower weight gain. Regular check-ups help your doctor monitor your baby's growth and recommend treatment if needed. - Can laryngomalacia cause sleep problems?
It can in some babies. Noisy breathing may become more noticeable during sleep, especially when lying on the back. If your baby has frequent breathing pauses, struggles to breathe, or sleeps poorly, consult your doctor for an evaluation.