Stridor treatment involves medical interventions to address the underlying causes of abnormal breathing sounds from airway obstruction. Stridor is not a disease but a symptom characterised by a high-pitched, wheezing sound during breathing, typically heard without a stethoscope. The sound results from turbulent airflow through a narrowed portion of the upper airway, occurring anywhere from the nose to the trachea (windpipe).
Treatment approaches vary significantly depending on the underlying cause, severity, and whether the condition is acute or chronic. Management may range from conservative observation and medication to surgical intervention. The primary goals include identifying the obstruction’s location and cause, relieving the airway narrowing, managing underlying conditions, and preventing complications. ENT specialists use various diagnostic techniques, including flexible laryngoscopy, imaging studies, and pulmonary function tests, to determine the appropriate treatment strategy for each patient.