Tracheomalacia
Tracheomalacia
Tracheomalacia (pronounced trā-kē-ō-mə-lā-shē-ə) is a rare medical condition characterized by the softening of the trachea's cartilaginous rings, which leads to the collapse of the airway and can cause breathing difficulties. The term is derived from the Greek words "tracheia," meaning windpipe, and "malakia," meaning softness.
Causes
Tracheomalacia can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life. Congenital tracheomalacia is often associated with other anomalies such as esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula. Acquired tracheomalacia can be caused by prolonged intubation, chronic inflammation, or trauma to the trachea.
Symptoms
Symptoms of tracheomalacia include stridor (a high-pitched wheezing sound), dyspnea (shortness of breath), recurrent respiratory infections, and cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen).
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of tracheomalacia is typically made through a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as bronchoscopy or computed tomography (CT) scan.
Treatment
Treatment for tracheomalacia depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may not require treatment, while severe cases may require surgical intervention such as tracheostomy or tracheal stent placement.
Related Terms
- Bronchomalacia: A condition similar to tracheomalacia, but it affects the bronchi instead of the trachea.
- Laryngomalacia: A condition where the laryngeal cartilage is soft, leading to collapse and airway obstruction.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tracheomalacia
- Wikipedia's article - Tracheomalacia
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