MC cause of intermittent stridor in a 10 days old child is –
**Core Concept**
Laryngomalacia is a common congenital anomaly of the larynx characterized by soft and pliable cartilaginous structures, leading to partial airway obstruction, especially during inspiration. This condition is often associated with symptoms such as stridor, which may be intermittent or continuous.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to laryngomalacia because it is the most common cause of stridor in infants, particularly during the first few months of life. Laryngomalacia is caused by the softening of the cartilaginous structures in the larynx, which can lead to partial airway obstruction. The increased airflow through the narrowed airway causes the arytenoid cartilages to collapse, resulting in stridor. This condition is often diagnosed by clinical examination and laryngoscopy.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Although laryngotracheobronchitis (croup) can cause stridor, it is not the most common cause in infants, especially in the first few weeks of life.
* **Option B:** Subglottic stenosis is a congenital anomaly that can cause stridor, but it is less common than laryngomalacia in infants.
* **Option C:** Vocal cord paralysis can cause stridor, but it is a rare condition in infants and often presents with other symptoms such as hoarseness.
* **Option D:** Tracheomalacia is a condition characterized by the softening of the tracheal cartilages, which can lead to stridor, but it is less common than laryngomalacia in infants.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Laryngomalacia is often associated with other congenital anomalies, such as cardiac defects, and may require surgical intervention in severe cases.
**Correct Answer:** A. Laryngomalacia