Question
The baby has had symptoms of nasal congestion and abnormal breathing sounds since about one month old. The breathing is sometimes more severe, especially during light sleep, and sometimes resembles snoring. Recently, a nasopharyngoscopy was performed, and the report indicated laryngeal cartilage softening. Inquire about the daily precautions and potential issues associated with this condition.
Answer
Laryngeal cartilage softening is a common symptom in infants, primarily caused by hypocalcemia leading to underdevelopment of the laryngeal cartilage. In most cases, improvement or spontaneous recovery can be achieved within 3 to 6 months through calcium supplementation and appropriate treatment. However, if the symptoms are severe, they may be accompanied by difficulty breathing, at which point attention should be paid to the possibility of lower respiratory tract infection. In daily life, avoid transmission and supplement calcium under medical guidance to prevent deterioration of the condition or the occurrence of complications such as difficulty breathing.