Etymed
laryngomalacia
Definition
A condition characterized by softening or weakness of the laryngeal tissues, typically causing airway obstruction in infants
Clinical context
A 6-week-old infant presents with progressive respiratory distress and noisy breathing that has worsened over the past week. The infant exhibits inspiratory stridor that is most prominent when lying supine and during feeding. The parents report that the baby becomes increasingly difficult to feed due to breathing difficulties. On examination, there is no fever or cyanosis, and the infant appears otherwise healthy and alert.
Mnemonic
LARYNGOMALACIA - Laryngeal tissues are soft like a 'malacia' (weakness), causing stridor that worsens when lying down