An abnormal, high-pitched
harsh rattling or musical
breathing sound made while
awake or during sleep.
Stridor is caused by
partial obstruction and usually
occurs when breathing in. It may be due to a swelling in the throat, an inhaled
foreign body, or a tumor. In the infant and young child, simple
infection can produce the type of stridor commonly
known as croup.
If the obstruction is
severe and cannot otherwise be relieved rapidly, a
temporary opening (
tracheostomy) must be made into the
windpipe below the obstruction to provide an artificial airway.