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Living with Congenital laryngeal web

A rare condition present from birth in which a thin membrane stretches across the voice box near the vocal cords.

Understanding Congenital laryngeal web

Congenital laryngeal web is a rare malformation in which a membrane-like web crosses the voice box near the vocal cords.

It is seen in newborns and infants. It can cause breathing problems and changes in the voice.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Breathing difficulties
  • Hoarse voice
  • Noisy breathing (stridor)
  • Soft voice box tissue (laryngomalacia)
  • Short stature
  • Heart wall differences

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include ear, nose, and throat specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Ear, nose, and throat specialists (otolaryngologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
How much of the airway is blocked by the web?
What treatment, such as surgery, is available?
Should the heart and other organs be checked?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant

GARD says changes in genes cause this condition, but doesn't list a specific gene or inheritance pattern.

Genetic

Also known as: glottic web, congenital anterior; laryngeal web; laryngeal web, familial; subglottic bar; subglottic web

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Congenital laryngeal webGARD ID 16596 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Congenital laryngeal web.

Explore the Congenital laryngeal web blog

Explore research for Congenital laryngeal web

Explore actively recruiting Congenital laryngeal web studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Congenital laryngeal web with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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