Subglottic stenosis is a congenital or acquired narrowing of the airway diameter below the vocal folds. Its usual signs are recurrent croup and exertional stridor, and sometimes complete airflow obstruction, requiring tracheotomy. Surgical management of moderate or severe subglottic stenosis can be intricate. Optimal treatment success necessitates assessment of the airway, lungs, reflux, and swallow. This involves coordinated care between otolaryngology, pulmonary, gastroenterology, and speech, swallow and language pathologists. At the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, “aerodigestive” teams have been developed for this purpose, a practice now in gradual adoption at other hospitals. An overview and evaluation of this program, with a review of the more common associated laryngotracheal conditions, exists at Hanlon K, Boesch RP, Jacobs I. Subglottic Stenosis. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care. 2018 Apr;48(4):129-135. doi: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2018.03.007. PMID: 29801771.
Speech and language pathologists play a crucial role in the multidisciplinary care of subglottic stenosis, addressing airway function, swallowing disorders, and communication challenges. Their expertise in speech therapy, swallowing assessments, and language rehabilitation ensures comprehensive treatment in collaboration with specialists in otolaryngology, pulmonology, and gastroenterology.
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