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



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