Stridor on auscultation is commonly associated with which condition?

Stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing sound caused by disrupted airflow, primarily indicative of upper airway obstruction. In the context of acute epiglottitis, it is often heard due to inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, which can block the airway. This condition is typically caused by bacterial infections, most commonly Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) in children, leading to rapid onset of symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and difficulty breathing.

As the epiglottis swells, it can partially obstruct the airway, resulting in the characteristic stridor sound during auscultation. The presence of stridor is a critical clinical finding that necessitates immediate medical attention, as it indicates an urgent need to secure the airway. Thus, in cases of acute epiglottitis, the detection of stridor is a strong indicator of the condition’s development and severity.