Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
Tracheomalacia
Overview
Tracheomalacia is a congenital or acquired condition in which the windpipe (trachea) is floppy, often leading to respiratory problems.
4Common Symptoms
- Expiratory stridor (high-pitched noise while breathing out)
- Cyanotic episodes (turning blue)
- Sucking in of chest/neck with each breath
- Apneic episodes (stopping breathing)
Diagnosis and Treatment
Tracheomalacia is usually diagnosed by an endoscopy. Most patients are asymptomatic and do not require treatment. Some may only become symptomatic during upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Bronchodilators, commonly used to treat children with asthma, may be used. For trouble breathing, sometimes adjustments in positioning can help, or your physician may suggest the use of devices to keep the airway open, especially during sleep, such as CPAP and BIPAP. Surgical management is rarely needed, and only when symptoms are not controlled by medical management and cause life-threatening events.
Meet Our Team
We bring together physicians, speech-language pathologists, and other healthcare professionals to provide treatment to patients suffering from breathing troubles.
