laryngomalacia

The same condition can also affect the larynx, which is called laryngomalacia.

This is the well known "omega shaped" epiglottis in laryngomalacia.

Although laryngomalacia is not associated with a specific gene, there is evidence that some cases may be inherited.

Sharon Coleman had a disabled son, Oliver, with bronchomalacia and congential laryngomalacia.

Although it is relatively rare, it is the third most common congenital airway problem (after laryngomalacia and vocal cord paralysis).

Caleb was known to breathe noisily and was diagnosed by a pediatrician to be suffering from a mild case of laryngomalacia, something he would eventually outgrow.

Associated conditions include hypoplasia of nasal bridge, laryngomalacia, pectus carinatum, congenital heart defects, ventriculomegaly, agenesis of the corpus callosum, stippled epiphyses, telebrachydactyly, and growth retardation.

There is also a sub-group of children who may have occult laryngomalacia, which is where the tissue directly above the vocal cords (epiglottis, arytenoids) may collapse into the airway during sleep.

Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease can also help in the treatment of laryngomalacia, since gastric contents can cause the back part of the larynx to swell and collapse even further into the airway.