It is the narrowing of the subglottic airway due to the malformed cricoid cartilage

It is the most common congenital laryngeal abnormality

It can be of 2 types

1. Congenital
2. Acquired- less common these days . Can be caused by Syphilis, tuberculosis, typhoid, diphtheria, prolonged intubation

SYMPTOMS

• Is severe presents with the first few hours after birth with ‘stridor’
• The stridor can be inspiratory, biphasic and may present with laboured breathing. This can become more prominent if an inflammatory process is present like Upper respiratory infection
• The symptoms are recurrent and prolonged
• Child may have a hoarse or weak voice
• In milder cases, it may be asymptomatic all the which and would be discoverable only if if there is a need to intubate the child.

PROGNOSIS/ TREATMENT

• Milder cases resolve spontaneously as the child grows
• Repeated episodes of respiratory distress especially with upper respiratory tract infections may need ENT referral
• Treatment includes endoscopic procedures or open reconstructive procedures.