What does the presence of a "stridor" indicate in a patient?

The presence of stridor indicates upper airway obstruction. Stridor is a specific, high-pitched sound that occurs when there is turbulence in airflow as it passes through a narrowed or obstructed area in the upper respiratory tract. This narrowing can be due to various causes, including swelling (often from infections like croup or epiglottitis), trauma, foreign body aspiration, or tumors.

Stridor is distinct because it typically arises from the larynx or trachea, differentiating it from other types of respiratory sounds. In assessing a patient, stridor calls for immediate attention, as it may signify a potentially life-threatening situation due to compromised air passage.

While vocal cord paralysis, asthma attacks, and allergic reactions can lead to respiratory distress, stridor specifically points to obstructions in the upper airway rather than lower airway issues, such as with asthma. Therefore, recognizing stridor as a clinical sign helps clinicians identify the need for urgent intervention to secure the airway and prevent further complications.