Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

What condition is frequently mistaken for a simple cold in infants due to noisy breathing?

1. Laryngomalacia

2. Bronchiolitis

3. Viral upper respiratory infection

4. Asthma

The correct answer is: Laryngomalacia

Laryngomalacia is a condition that often presents with noisy breathing, particularly in infants, which can easily be confused with a simple cold. This condition is characterized by the soft, floppy tissue at the larynx that collapses and causes airway obstruction when the infant inhales. The resulting stridor, a high-pitched wheezing sound, can be quite pronounced and is often observed during episodes of crying or feeding. Many parents and healthcare providers may interpret these symptoms as the common signs of a cold since infants frequently experience upper respiratory infections that feature similar noisy breathing. However, laryngomalacia is distinct and usually resolves on its own as the child grows, typically by the age of 18 months. Recognizing laryngomalacia is essential because, while it can be alarming, it generally does not require aggressive treatment unless there are significant feeding or breathing difficulties. In contrast, bronchiolitis, viral upper respiratory infections, and asthma also present with respiratory symptoms but have different underlying mechanisms and implications for treatment. While bronchiolitis primarily affects the lower airways and is more associated with wheezing and difficulty breathing in infants, and viral upper respiratory infections involve a range of symptoms including fever and nasal congestion, asthma usually presents later in childhood