Stenosis

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Stenosis
Synonyms	Narrowing, Stricture
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Pain, Swelling, Numbness, Weakness, Breathing difficulties
Complications	Ischemia, Organ dysfunction, Paralysis
Onset	Varies by type
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Atherosclerosis, Inflammation, Tumors, Congenital
Risks	Smoking, Obesity, Diabetes, Hypertension
Diagnosis	Imaging studies, Endoscopy, Angiography
Differential diagnosis	Obstruction, Aneurysm
Prevention	Lifestyle modification, Medication
Treatment	Surgery, Stenting, Medication
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Varies by type and severity
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

A narrowing of the bronchial tubes

Bronchial stenosis is a medical condition characterized by the narrowing of the bronchial tubes, which are the air passages that lead from the trachea to the lungs. This condition can lead to significant respiratory issues due to the obstruction of airflow.

Causes

Bronchial stenosis can result from a variety of causes, including:

• Inflammation due to infections such as tuberculosis or pneumonia.
• Trauma to the bronchial tubes, which may occur during surgical procedures or due to inhalation of foreign objects.
• Tumors that grow within or compress the bronchial tubes.
• Autoimmune diseases such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
• Congenital abnormalities present at birth.

Symptoms

The symptoms of bronchial stenosis can vary depending on the severity of the narrowing and may include:

• Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
• Wheezing
• Coughing, which may be persistent
• Stridor, a high-pitched wheezing sound
• Recurrent respiratory infections

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of bronchial stenosis typically involves imaging studies such as:

• Chest X-ray
• Computed tomography (CT) scan, which provides detailed images of the bronchial tubes
• Bronchoscopy, a procedure that allows direct visualization of the airways

Treatment

Treatment options for bronchial stenosis depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. They may include:

• Bronchoscopic interventions, such as balloon dilation or stent placement, to open the narrowed airway.
• Surgical resection of the affected segment of the bronchus in severe cases.
• Medications to treat underlying infections or inflammation.
• Radiation therapy or chemotherapy if the stenosis is due to a tumor.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with bronchial stenosis varies. With appropriate treatment, many patients experience significant improvement in symptoms. However, the condition can be chronic and may require ongoing management.

See also

• Bronchitis
• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Tracheal stenosis