Question
A newborn female infant has been diagnosed with congenital laryngomalacia and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital. The family wants to know how common this condition is, as well as the treatment process and prognosis for the disease.
Answer
Laryngomalacia in newborns may be associated with congenital cartilage maldevelopment. This situation refers to inspiratory stridor that occurs in infants after birth, which may be accompanied by inspiratory triad, i.e., indentation of the supraclavicular fossa, sternal notch, and xiphoid process during inspiration. Most affected infants have a good overall condition, but symptoms may worsen during upper respiratory tract infections, and attention should be paid to this. Laryngomalacia usually occurs shortly after birth and gradually disappears as the laryngeal cartilage develops with age. The duration of treatment varies from individual to individual, and it is recommended to closely monitor the infant’s condition changes and follow the doctor’s guidance for care.