Table 5

Definition for minor and major laryngeal edema

Minor laryngeal edema:

the presence of stridor (defined as an audible high-pitched inspiratory wheeze) and signs of respiratory distress. Signs of respiratory distress are a prolonged inspiratory phase and recruitment of accessory respiratory muscles as seen by subcostal, suprasternal or intercostal retraction.

Major laryngeal edema:

respiratory distress needing tracheal intubation secondary to upper airway obstruction confirmed by direct or video laryngoscopy.

Edited from Darmon and colleagues [4] and Francois and colleagues [6].

Wittekamp et al. Critical Care 2009 13:233   doi:10.1186/cc8142