The normal diameter of the subglottic cavity in infants and young children is 5.5 to 6 mm. When developmental abnormalities cause the subglottic cavity to narrow and lead to obstruction, it is referred to as congenital subglottic stenosis. This condition involves obstruction on one or both sides of the subglottic cavity wall, often due to lesions of the elastic cone, but it can also result from deformities of the cricoid cartilage.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

The most common symptoms include noisy breathing after birth, but with normal crying. The degree of respiratory distress depends on the extent of obstruction, and severe stenosis can lead to neonatal asphyxia. Affected infants are prone to respiratory infections or laryngitis and are often misdiagnosed with acute laryngotracheobronchitis.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

Grade I obstruction without obvious symptoms may not require treatment, but respiratory infections must be prevented. For those with breathing difficulties, a low tracheotomy should be performed to allow repeated dilation under direct laryngoscopy.