What condition is indicated by "stridor"?

Stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing sound typically caused by turbulent airflow through a narrowed or obstructed airway, particularly in the upper respiratory tracts, such as the larynx or trachea. This sound is often heard during inhalation and is a clinical indicator of upper airway obstruction, which can result from swelling, foreign body obstruction, or other causes affecting the upper airway structures.

Conditions that lead to stridor may include croup, epiglottitis, or an allergic reaction leading to airway swelling. In contrast, lower airway obstruction would more often produce wheezing sounds rather than stridor. Normal breathing does not involve any abnormal sounds, and coughing on expiration is not associated with the distinct sound characteristic of stridor. Recognizing stridor is crucial in assessing the severity of airway obstruction and determining the appropriate interventions required to ensure airway patency.