Stridor is most consistent with which condition?

• A. Pneumothorax
• B. Laryngospasm or edema of the upper airway
• C. Bronchial asthma
• D. Esophageal reflux

Answer: (B)

Stridor signals upper airway obstruction, producing a high-pitched, harsh sound during inspiration. This type of sound occurs when the airway above the vocal cords narrows, as seen with laryngospasm or edema of the upper airway. In contrast, a pneumothorax typically presents with chest pain and reduced breath sounds due to collapsed lung, not a stridor. Bronchial asthma involves lower airway narrowing and produces wheezing, mainly on expiration. Esophageal reflux can cause irritation and throat symptoms but does not usually cause a stridor. So the presence of stridor most strongly points to an issue at the level of the upper airway, such as laryngospasm or edema.