Stridor

Stridor (Latin for "creaking or grating noise") is a high-pitched wheezing sound resulting from turbulent air flow in the upper airway. Stridor is a physical sign which is produced by narrowed or obstructed airway path. It can be inspiratory, expiratory or biphasic. Inspiratory stridor is common. It can be indicative of serious airway obstruction from severe conditions such as epiglottitis, a foreign body lodged in the airway, or a laryngeal tumor. Stridor is indicative of a potential medical emergency and should always command attention. Wherever possible, attempts should be made to immediately establish the cause of the stridor (e.g., foreign body, vocal cord edema, tracheal compression by tumor, functional laryngeal dyskinesia, etc.) That examination requires visualization of the airway by a team of medical experts equipped to control the airway.