Tracheal stenosis and/or Tracheomalacia - Medtick
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Tracheal stenosis and/or Tracheomalacia

What is it?

Tracheal stenosis is a narrowing of ones trachea and/or windpipe, due to the formation of scar tissue or malformation (abnormal formation) of the cartilage rings in the trachea.

  • Symptoms can be serious if the narrowing trachea airways exceeds 50%.

Tracheomalacia is a condition in which the cartilage in the wall of the trachea softens resulting in a floppy or weak airway that collapses with breathing and makes breathing difficult.

Cause

Tracheal stenosis

Treatments

  • Damage to the trachea or oesophagus caused by surgery or other medical procedures
  • Endotracheal tube (breathing tube) surgery
  • Tracheostomy (removal of windpipe /trachea)
  • Radiation therapy in the trachea

Tracheomalacia 

  • Damage to the trachea or oesophagus caused by surgery or other medical procedures
  • Endotracheal tube (breathing tube) surgery
  • Tracheostomy (removal of windpipe /trachea)
  • Infections of the trachea i.e.
  • Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) – long term Heartburn (which then can lead to: pneumonitis – asthma symptoms and /or cracking sound in lungs  and/or tiredness and/or finger clubbing)
  • Inhaling irritants
  • Polychondritis (inflammation of cartilage in the trachea)

Symptoms

  • Breathing difficulty and/or shortness of breath?
  • Wheezing and/or rasping sound when breathing in?
  • Voice changes/or a hoarse voice/or a high-pitched sound that goes with breathing?
  • Blue skin to nose , mouth hands , fingers and lips (cyanosis)?
  • Coughing and/or voice hoarseness?
  • Coughing up blood?
  • Pain and difficulty swallowing?
  • Recurrent chest infections?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Medical Emergency Condition

And/or do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Tracheal stenosis and/or Tracheomalacia in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

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