Q31.1: Congenital subglottic stenosis

You have a congenital narrowing of your larynx below the epiglottis.

The larynx can be seen particularly well in men as a bulging area at the front of the neck. This area is also called the Adam’s apple. The larynx is important for breathing and speaking. It consists mainly of cartilage, ligaments, and muscles. The vocal cords are also located in the larynx. Beneath the larynx the trachea begins. The epiglottis also forms part of the larynx. The epiglottis closes over the entrance to the windpipe (trachea) while you’re swallowing. This prevents food or liquids from entering the windpipe from the throat.

While developing in the womb, many different types of tissue develop in the body. The organs and body parts develop out of the various types of tissue. If tissue does not develop properly, defects can result.

There are different reasons why there may be a narrowing below the epiglottis. For example, the cartilage in the larynx may have developed in an unusual way. Thickened tissue in the epiglottis area can also result in a narrowing. If the trachea has changed where it becomes the larynx, a narrowing can occur too.

A narrowing in the larynx area can cause various health problems. Breathlessness can occur after the birth. A whistling sound may also be heard when breathing in.