Congenital Subglottic Stenosis

Narrowing of the airway below the vocal cords (subglottis). Subglottic stenosis is a rare condition. It can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired. Acquired cases can occur at any age but most commonly occur in the early months of life.

In more severe cases breathing difficulty and noisy breathing may be persistent. This can affect both feeding and growth and can be particularly troublesome during respiratory infections. In the most severe cases it may not be possible for the child to maintain its airway safely without intubation or tracheostomy.