What is stridor?

Stridor is accurately characterized as an upper airway noise that is heard during respiration. This sound often signifies turbulence in the airflow caused by a narrowing or obstruction in the upper respiratory tract, which may involve areas such as the larynx or trachea.

The presence of stridor is typically a sign of an underlying issue, such as swelling from an infection or allergic reaction, a foreign body obstruction, or anatomical abnormalities. It is specifically described as a high-pitched, wheezing sound, which becomes more prominent during inhalation but can also be heard during exhalation in some cases. Understanding stridor is crucial in medical settings, as it can indicate conditions that require immediate attention.

In this context, while other options mention sounds associated with breathing, they do not accurately identify the specific nature of stridor and its clinical significance. Loud wheezing sounds tend to be more related to lower airway issues, while sounds indicating blockage in the lungs are typically not classified as stridor, and normal sounds of breathing are not indicative of any problem. Thus, the definition relating to upper airway noise during respiration is the most accurate and relevant description of stridor.