Laryngomalacia occurs when a baby is born with a voice box (larynx) that is not formed correctly. This causes the soft tissue of the voice box to collapse inward when the baby breathes in. Laryngomalacia can cause noisy breathing and is usually noticeable shortly after birth.

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What are the signs and symptoms of laryngomalacia?

Symptoms of laryngomalacia may include:

  • Noisy breathing that may be worse when lying on the back or crying
  • Breathing problems
  • A blue tint to the skin (cyanosis)
  • Trouble feeding
  • Poor weight gain
  • A pulling in at the chest or neck when breathing
  • Pauses in breathing (apnea)
  • Spitting up or vomiting

What causes laryngomalacia?

This is a condition a baby is born with. In rare cases, it may run in families. It may also be connected to some syndromes.

How is laryngomalacia treated?

In most cases, laryngomalacia is not serious and gets better on its own within about a year. But some children with severe symptoms may need medication or surgery to correct the condition.

Doctors at Connecticut Children’s can determine the right plan if your child requires treatment for laryngomalacia.