Chronic noisy breathing can have many causes, including problems in the nasal airway, throat, vocal cords, and lungs. Our physicians at Valley ENT are uniquely qualified to evaluate this problem and, in many cases, will examine these areas with telescopes to find causes of obstruction. Sudden, severe, noisy breathing may be an emergency, and you should have it evaluated as soon as possible. If you are not able to see your physician, consider going to the emergency room.
What causes noisy breathing?
Potential causes include but are not limited to:
Laryngomalacia: This is the most common cause of noisy breathing in infants. It occurs when the soft tissues of the larynx (voice box) collapse inward during inhalation, causing a high-pitched squeaking sound.
Vocal cord paralysis: When one or both vocal cords are paralyzed and cannot move properly, it can lead to noisy breathing. Nerve damage, often following surgery or trauma to the neck or chest, is often the cause.
Subglottic stenosis: Narrowing of the airway just below the vocal cords can lead to noisy breathing. The condition may be something a child is born with or acquired, often due to prolonged intubation or an airway injury.
Tracheomalacia: Similar to laryngomalacia, this condition involves the collapse of the trachea (windpipe) during breathing, causing noisy respiration.
Foreign body aspiration: If you inhale an object and it gets lodged in the airway, it can cause partial obstruction and noisy breathing.
Tumors: Growths that grow into the airway can worsen breathing difficulty and cause airway noises.
An ENT doctor spends 4 years at college, 4 years at medical school, and then 5 to 7 years after that in a residency program specializing in otolaryngology — head and neck surgery. Our board-certified ENTs pass written and oral exams and participate in continuous education to maintain their certification. When you visit one of our Arizona locations, you can trust you're seeing one of the most qualified specialists in the region and that your care will be second to none.
Diagnosing the Cause of Noisy Breathing
You should see your provider or your child’s pediatrician for noisy breathing to ensure it gets treated promptly. Figuring out the cause of noisy breathing isn’t clear-cut. Parents and primary care providers may not be able to differentiate between wheezing and stridor, especially in an infant or young child. Diagnosing the problem will often require a thorough evaluation of the lungs and airway.
Diagnosing the cause begins with listening to the lungs and examining the ears, nose, and throat. Other diagnostic tools include:
Flexible laryngoscopy: The doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube with a camera through the nose to examine the throat and voice box.
Imaging tests: Your physician may order X-rays or CT scans to visualize the airways and detect any structural abnormalities or foreign objects.
Bronchoscopy: In some cases, a more detailed examination of the airways may be necessary. Bronchoscopy involves inserting a thin tube with a camera through the mouth or nose; your doctor performs it using an anesthetic.
Treating Noisy Breathing
Treatment for noisy breathing depends on the underlying cause. If the condition is related to an illness, it may resolve independently when you or your child recovers. Possible treatment options include:
Medication: If inflammation or an infection contributes to noisy breathing, your physician may prescribe corticosteroids or antibiotics.
Surgery: More severe cases, or if the symptoms persist, may require surgical intervention. Procedures include removal of foreign bodies, airway reconstruction for subglottic stenosis, or vocal cord surgery for paralysis.
Tracheostomy: In rare, severe cases, a tracheostomy (creating an opening in the neck to place a breathing tube) may be required to secure the airway.
Being prepared will help you get the most out of your appointment. Please bring a list of medications you're currently taking and any pertinent test results—such as labs or imaging—to your appointment. Additionally, let your provider know of any drug allergies or medical conditions you have or for which you are being treated and if you've had any prior surgical procedures.
Visit Our ENT Specialists
Noisy breathing can be alarming, but proper diagnosis and treatment can often manage it effectively. If you or your child experiences persistent noisy breathing, it’s important to consult with an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) at one of our Arizona locations for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment plan.