Non-organic stridor in children.

A 4.75-year-old male presented with several episodes of expiratory stridor leading, on one occasion, to a respiratory arrest and intubation. A detailed evaluation emphasizing physiological and anatomical studies revealed no organic basis for the patient's upper airway obstruction. Emphasis is placed on one method found to be helpful in the differentiation of an organic versus a psychogenic type of respiratory disorder. Recognition of functional airway obstruction in children may prevent inappropriate therapy and allow proper psychiatric intervention.