Which condition is characterized by inspiratory stridor primarily occurring during feeding?

The condition characterized by inspiratory stridor primarily occurring during feeding is laryngomalacia. This is a common cause of stridor in infants and is due to the soft and floppy structures of the larynx. The stridor is often exacerbated during feeding because of the positioning and increased airflow demands; as the infant feeds, the airway may become more compromised due to the dynamic nature of the soft tissues in the larynx.

Laryngomalacia usually presents within the first few months of life, and the stridor typically improves when the infant is upright or during active distraction. The presence of stridor primarily during feeding distinguishes this condition from others that may cause stridor or respiratory distress, as those conditions often have more consistent or greater severity regardless of feeding status.

Conditions such as asthma and croup cause respiratory symptoms that are not specifically tied to feeding and can be associated more generally with respiratory infections or allergic triggers, while bacterial tracheitis, which can present with stridor, typically occurs with severe respiratory distress, fever, and is seen in ill-appearing children rather than being confined to feeding times.