In simple words: Laryngomalacia is a condition babies are born with affecting their voice box.The soft parts of the voice box are floppy and can partially block the airway, causing noisy, squeaky breathing.This usually gets better on its own by the time the baby is 1 or 2 years old.

Congenital laryngomalacia (Q31.5) is a congenital abnormality of the larynx characterized by the inward collapse of supraglottic structures during inspiration, leading to airway obstruction.This is caused by the weakness and floppiness of the tissues above the voice box. The condition typically presents with inspiratory stridor, a high-pitched, noisy breathing sound, often worsening during periods of increased respiratory demand (e.g., crying, feeding).In severe cases, it may cause breathing difficulties, feeding problems, apnea (pauses in breathing), aspiration (food entering the lungs), cyanosis (bluish skin discoloration), and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).The severity ranges from mild to severe, and most cases resolve spontaneously by age 1-2 years.Late-onset laryngomalacia can occur after age 2, potentially representing a distinct entity.Associated conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux are more prevalent in infants with laryngomalacia.A classification system categorizes laryngomalacia into types based on the location and extent of the affected tissues.

Example 1: A newborn infant presents with inspiratory stridor.Physical examination reveals an omega-shaped epiglottis.Diagnosis: Congenital laryngomalacia (Q31.5). Management: Observation and follow-up., A 6-month-old infant with laryngomalacia exhibits worsening stridor, feeding difficulties, and episodes of cyanosis.Diagnosis: Congenital laryngomalacia (Q31.5) with severe symptoms. Management: Surgical intervention (supraglottoplasty) is considered., A 2-year-old child with a history of laryngomalacia in infancy presents with persistent stridor and mild respiratory distress. This may be a case of late-onset laryngomalacia, and further investigation is required.

Detailed history including onset and severity of stridor, feeding difficulties, apnea episodes, and growth parameters. Physical examination noting the presence of stridor, respiratory distress, and any other abnormalities.Imaging studies (e.g., laryngoscopy) to confirm the diagnosis and assess severity.

** The diagnosis of congenital laryngomalacia is typically made clinically based on the characteristic inspiratory stridor and the findings on laryngoscopy.Treatment is usually conservative, focusing on close monitoring and supportive care. Surgical intervention (supraglottoplasty) may be considered in severe cases.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is often associated with laryngomalacia, and its management may be necessary.