Overview
Laryngeal Cleft is a condition that occurs before birth where abnormal communication is created between the larynx (voice box) and esophagus (food pipe). This can result in liquids passing through the larynx and into the trachea (windpipe) or even into the lungs. A laryngeal cleft can create various difficulties with drinking, and breathing problems, or lead to severe lung infections.
Symptoms
- Difficulty feeding
- Choking episodes
- Chronic cough
- Stridor (noisy breathing)
- Recurrent respiratory tract infections
Laryngeal Clefts
There are four different types of Laryngeal Clefts, Type I being the most common and Type IV being the most severe.
Type I: The wall behind the vocal folds is incompletely formed to the level of the vocal folds which may allow food or liquids to pass into the lungs.
Type II: The wall behind the vocal folds as well as a portion of cartilage of the windpipe is incompletely formed which allows food or liquids to pass into the lungs.
Type III: The wall behind the vocal folds as well as the entire cartilage of the windpipe and some of the wall that separates the food pipe from the windpipe is incompletely formed which allows food or liquids to pass into the lungs.
Type IV: The wall behind the vocal folds as well as the cartilage and most or all of the wall that separates the food pipe from the windpipe is incompletely formed which allows food or liquids to pass into the lungs.
Evaluation
A Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (Dysphagia Study) and/or Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow (FEES) may be recommended to assess your child’s anatomy, airway protection and swallowing skills. If there is a concern for dysfunction, further evaluation of this area under anesthesia may be recommended.
Treatment
Depending on severity, in addition to feeding therapy, a surgical intervention may be recommended. If your child undergoes surgery, they will likely stay in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit overnight for monitoring.
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Click below for a visual handout with more information about Laryngeal Clefts.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this condition, you can contact us below:
Nurse Coordinator: (858) 966-1700 ext. 223403
Fax: (858) 966-7852
Email: RadyAerodigestive@RCHSD.org