Ent and Allergy Specialists

  Laryngomalacia, or “floppy voice box,” is an infantile condition where the larynx (voice box) does not fully develop which causes the immature cartilage of the upper larynx to collapse upon inhalation. LM results in partial airway obstruction, typically causing a specific high-pitched squeaking noise upon inhalation, which is referred to as stridor. This ultimately causes an airway obstruction which is the reason for the cyanosis.  The part above the vocal cords called the supraglottic larynx is tightly curled, with a short band holding the epiglottis, cartilage shield in the front, tightly to the mobile cartilage in the back of the larynx, or the arytenoids. These bands are known as the aryepiglottic folds which create the precise movement that opens and closes the vocal cords for phonation, or sound. The shortened aryepiglottic folds cause the epiglottis to be curled on itself. This is known as "omega shaped" epiglottis in laryngomalacia. Some infants have feeding diffic...

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that occurs when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts up again. A potentially serious condition, sleep apnea has three main types: Obstructive sleep apnea. This happens when something partially or totally blocks your upper airway as you sleep. It makes your diaphragm and chest muscles work overtime to open the blocked airway and bring air into your lungs. You are breathing then typically resumes with a snort or loud gasp. Central sleep apnea. In this type of sleep apnea, your braindoes not send the right signals to the muscles that control how you breathe. Complex sleep apnea. Also referred to as mixed sleep apnea, complex sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea. Some of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea include: Sudden awakenings with shortness of breath (more common in central sleep apnea) Loud snoring, a symptom more typical in patients with obstructive sleep apnea Intermittent pauses in breathing as you slee...