Aetiological profile of paediatric laryngeal stridor in an Indian hospital.

The case records of 180 infants and children with stridor were reviewed to note their clinical profile. We found that cases of acute stridor outnumbered cases of chronic stridor. The aetiology was congenital in 32.2% and acquired in 67.8%. Laryngomalacia (19.4%) was the commonest congenital cause. Laryngotracheobronchitis and diphtheria were the commonest infectious causes (35%). Tracheostomy was performed in 25% of cases, the most frequent indication being bilateral abductor paralysis. The problems peculiar to developing countries that influence the clinical status of a child in stridor are discussed.