86 year old male was hospitalized and diagnosed with stridor. x-ray of chest normal. ct of neck shows little swollen gland which . post release stridor noise came down but still little noise is there. pcp recommended loratadine otc. any advise ?

Discuss allergy testing with your physician. There may have been an exposure and subsequent swelling in the airway. If moderate, steroids may be indicated.

An ENT exam/ flexible laryngoscopy is usually needed to look for possible obstruction, tracheal stenosis or inhaled food/material among other conditions. A swallow evaluation may help in case aspiration is suggested by history.