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Breathing sounds - abnormal (stridor)

Alternative Names:

Stridor

Home Care:

Follow prescribed therapy in treating the underlying cause. See also first-aid measures for choking .

Call your health care provider if:

Call your health care provider if there is any indication of unexplained stridor, especially in a child.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

In emergency situations, vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) will be monitored, and the Heimlich maneuver may be necessary. Then the medical history will be obtained, and a physical examination performed. Intubation (insertion of a "breathing tube") may be necessary if there is inability to breathe properly (respiratory failure).

Medical history questions documenting abnormal breathing sounds in detail may include:

The physical examination will include monitoring the vital signs and listening to the lungs.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

After seeing your health care provider:

You may want to add a diagnosis related to stridor to your personal medical record.

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