Stridor - Differential Diagnosis Framework: High-pitched, variable respiratory sound ETIOLOGIES: Infectious: • Retropharyngeal abscess • Acute epiglottitis • Peritonsillar abscess • Croup • Bacterial tracheitis • Laryngotracheobronchitis • Ludwig's angina Trauma/Mechanical: • Larynx fracture • Burn inhalation • Tracheal injury • Caustic inhalation/ingestion • Foreign body Allergic/Immune: • Anaphylaxis • Hereditary angioedema Congenital/Acquired: • Laryngomalacia • Tracheomalacia • Vascular ring • Bronchogenic cyst • Hemangiomas • Vocal cord paralysis • Neoplasm • Subglottic stenosis • Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis ETIOLOGIES BY LOCATION: Extrathoracic: Pharynx/Supraglottis - Inspiratory Stridor: • Epiglottitis • Croup • Bacterial tracheitis • Retropharyngeal abscess • Peritonsillar abscess • Laryngomalacia • Congenital malformations • Anaphylaxis • Vocal cord paralysis Intrathoracic: Thoracic trachea and bronchi - Expiratory Stridor: • Bacterial tracheitis • Tracheal stenosis • Anaphylaxis • Foreign body Glottis, Subglottis, Cervical Trachea - Biphasic: • Foreign body • Hemangioma • Tracheal mass/tumor • Subglottic stenosis #Stridor #differential #diagnosis #causes #pulmonary #airway #physicalexam
