In infantile laryngomalacia, the supraglottic larynx (the part above the vocal cords) is tightly curled, with a short band holding the cartilage shield in the front (the epiglottis) tightly to the mobile cartilage in the back of the larynx (the arytenoids).

[citation needed] Laryngomalacia results in partial airway obstruction, most commonly causing a characteristic high-pitched squeaking noise on inhalation (inspiratory stridor).

It is often worse when the infant is on his or her back, because the floppy tissues can fall over the airway opening more easily in this position.

[3] The physician will ask some questions about the baby's health problems and may recommend a flexible laryngoscopy to further evaluate the infant's condition.

[6][7][8] Most commonly, this involves cutting the aryepiglottic folds to let the supraglottic airway spring open.

[citation needed] Although this is a congenital lesion, airway sounds typically begin at age 4–6 weeks.