Stridor is typically caused by what condition?

Stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing sound that is typically heard during inhalation and is indicative of an obstruction in the upper airway. This obstruction can result from various underlying issues, such as swelling, tumors, or foreign bodies affecting the larynx or trachea. The sound is produced when air passes through a narrowed space in the upper airway, making it harder to breathe.

Upper airway obstruction is commonly associated with conditions that lead to swelling, like croup, laryngeal edema, or anaphylaxis. While lung inflammation, allergic reactions, and pneumothorax may impact breathing, they do not specifically result in stridor, as stridor is primarily a symptom of upper airway problems. Thus, understanding the mechanism of stridor helps in recognizing its relationship to upper airway obstruction and the necessity for prompt medical evaluation and intervention in such cases.