A laryngeal cleft is a gap between the larynx and the esophagus. It occurs before birth, while a baby is still developing. This gap allows food and liquid to get into the airway instead of the stomach. A laryngeal cleft can cause problems with breathing and eating and can cause an infection in the lungs.

Laryngeal clefts can range from mild to severe, depending on the size of the gap. There are four types, based on their size and location:

  • Type 1: The mildest type. The gap is located above the vocal cords.
  • Type 2: This type of cleft extends just below the vocal cords.
  • Type 3: This more severe cleft extends below the larynx (voice box) and into the trachea.
  • Type 4: The most severe type of cleft. It may extend into the chest.

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What are the signs and symptoms of a laryngeal cleft?

Symptoms of a laryngeal cleft may include:

  • Coughing
  • Choking when feeding
  • Poor weight gain
  • Hoarseness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Noisy breathing
  • A blue tint to the skin (cyanosis)
  • Wheezing
  • Frequent lung infections

What causes a laryngeal cleft?

This is a condition that a baby is born with. The problem occurs at some point in a baby’s development during pregnancy.

How is a laryngeal cleft treated?

The treatment depends on the type of laryngeal cleft a child has.

  • Children with milder forms and few symptoms may not need any treatment. They are checked often to make sure their condition is not getting worse.
  • Children with more severe laryngeal clefts often need surgery, called a laryngeal cleft repair.

Doctors at Connecticut Children’s can determine the right plan if your child requires treatment for a laryngeal cleft.