Definition
Definition
The trachea (windpipe) is a tube of soft tissue that is supported by rings of stronger tissue called cartilage. The tube creates a pathway for air to pass from the mouth to the lungs.
Tracheomalacia occurs when the cartilage in the trachea is weak or soft and collapses. The collapsed tissue can make it difficult for air to move smoothly to the lungs. Tracheomalacia is most often present at birth or soon after.
Air PathwayCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
|
Causes
Causes
It is not known exactly why this condition develops in babies.
Tracheomalacia that develops later in life may be caused by injury or trauma to the throat such as:
- Prolonged intubation
- Tracheotomy
- Tracheobronchitis
- Compression of the trachea due to tumors and cysts, or heart, blood vessel, or skeletal abnormalities
- Repeat infections
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
This condition is more common in babies who are born prematurely and those who are born with esophageal atresia. Esophageal atresia occurs when a baby is born without part of the esophagus, which connects the mouth to the stomach.
Tracheomalacia that develops later in life are more likely with:
- Prolonged intubation
- Recent tracheotomy
- Tracheobronchitis
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms will depend on the severity of the tracheomalacia but may include:
- Difficulty breathing
- High-pitched or rattling breathing
- Cough
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your or your baby’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
The trachea may need to be viewed and images may need to be taken. This may be done with:
- Bronchoscopy
- CT scan
- Airway fluoroscopy
Treatment
Treatment
Tracheomalacia sometimes goes away on its own as a baby develops. It often is gone by the time a child is 2 years old.
Treatment may be needed to relieve symptoms or to correct the problem in severe cases. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan. Options include:
Warm Air Therapy
A humidifier may be used to increase the humidity in your baby’s environment. It may make it easier for your baby to breathe.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device may be used to keep the tissues and throat open to help your baby breathe as he or she continues to develop.
Surgery
Surgery is rare, but may be needed if there are problems with eating or breathing. Surgical options include:
- Moving nearby soft tissue to relieve pressure on the trachea
- Removing the segment of the trachea that is causing the condition
- Placing a device in the trachea to help hold the trachea open
Surgery may be more likely in those who develop tracheomalacia later in life.
Prevention
Prevention
The cause of tracheomalacia in babies is not known, so there is no known way to prevent it from occurring.
RESOURCES:
Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics http://www.healthychildren.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
Santer D, D’Alessandro M. Tracheo/laryngomalacia. Virtual Pediatric Hospital website. Available at:
http://www.virtualpediatrichospital.org/providers/ElectricAirway/Text/TracheoLaryngo.shtml
Accessed July 29, 2014.
Tracheomalacia. Boston Children’s Hospital website. Available at:
http://www.childrenshospital.org/health-topics/conditions/tracheomalacia
Accessed July 9, 2014.
Tracheomalacia. Johns Hopkins Children’s Center website. Available at:
http://www.hopkinschildrens.org/tracheomalacia.aspx
Accessed July 9, 2014.
Last Updated: 9/5/2014