TRACHEAL STENOSIS

Tracheal stenosis is narrowing of the trachea, or “windpipe”. Tracheal stenosis causes shortness of breath, which is made worse during exercise. Noisy breathing can be heard when tracheal stenosis is severe.

Causes of tracheal stenosis include:

  • Scar formed from the tip of a breathing tube
  • Wegener’s granulomatosis – a condition of blood vessel inflammation
  • Inflammatory diseases
  • Trauma, such as an inhalation burn injury

Symptoms of tracheal stenosis include:

  • Shortness of breath during exertion and sometimes at rest
  • Noisy breathing, also known as stridor Cough
  • Feeling of phlegm “stuck” within the airway

Diagnosis of tracheal stenosis:

To diagnose tracheal stenosis the narrowed portion of the airway must be visualized. During bronchoscopy a flexible camera is passed into the airway.

A CT scan may also be used to evaluate the size of the airway and degree of narrowing as well.

Treatment for tracheal stenosis:

Treatment for tracheal stenosis enlarges the size of the airway, thus making breathing easier. In the operating room bronchscopy is performed with the patient asleep. Sometimes a laser is used to cut the narrowed portion of the airway from the inside. A high pressure balloon dilator is then used to expand the size of the airway. Steroids and other medications are applied to prevent scar formation. This entire procedure is performed through the mouth.

When balloon dilation is inadequate, open resection can be performed. A skin cut is made on the neck and the stenotic airway is removed. The normal airway is then reattached and sutured together.

Dr-Verma - Voice and Swallowing Doctor - Sunil Verma MD

Throatdisorder.com is an online resource for patients and physicians to learn more about common voice, swallowing, breathing and throat disorders. Throat complaints, from cough to cancer, are a common reason for patients to seek medical treatment. This website developed as a result of Dr. Sunil Verma's passions: that of education, patient care, and interest in technology.


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