Tracheobronchomalacia
Tracheal Diseases
Tracheobronchomalacia treated by inserting a long T-tube into the left main bronchus. (1/11)
(+info)Removal of an external stent of the bronchus. (2/11)
(+info)Novel multimodality imaging and physiologic assessments clarify choke-point physiology and airway wall structure in expiratory central airway collapse. (3/11)
(+info)Stridor and respiratory failure due to tracheobronchomalacia: case report and review of the literature. (4/11)
(+info)Difficult to control asthma in the patient with pseudoachondroplasia. (5/11)
(+info)Psittacosis infection and tracheobronchomalacia in a patient undergoing thyroidectomy. (6/11)
(+info)Tracheobronchomalacia presenting as infantile wheeze. (7/11)
We report six months old infant with a history of recurrent wheeze, admitted for foreign body aspiration like presentation, where fibreoptic bronchoscopy revealed the diagnosis of tracheobronchomalacia. (+info)A patient with relapsing polychondritis who had been diagnosed as intractable bronchial asthma. (8/11)
A 62-year-old woman, diagnosed as bronchial asthma 3 years previously, was admitted due to acute severe dyspnea. Physical examination revealed saddle nose, flare/swelling of the ear auricles, and stridor. Computed tomography demonstrated thickening of tracheal/bronchial walls and stenosis of the lumen that deteriorated on expiration, suggesting tracheobronchomalacia. Auricle biopsy indicated cartilage destruction. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed as relapsing polychondritis. As demonstrated in this case, relapsing polychondritis involving airways might be misdiagnosed as bronchial asthma due to stridor and transient corticosteroid-related improvement. Early diagnosis is necessary to prevent irreversible airway stenosis and progression to tracheobronchomalacia. (+info)Tracheobronchomalacia is a medical condition that refers to the abnormal softening and weakness of the tracheal and bronchial walls, leading to their collapse or narrowing during breathing, particularly during expiration. This collapse can cause symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and recurrent respiratory infections. The condition can be congenital or acquired, with common causes including aging, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and long-term intubation. In severe cases, tracheobronchomalacia may require surgical intervention to stabilize the airway and improve breathing.
Tracheal diseases refer to a group of medical conditions that affect the trachea, also known as the windpipe. The trachea is a tube-like structure made up of rings of cartilage and smooth muscle, which extends from the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi (airways leading to the lungs). Its primary function is to allow the passage of air to and from the lungs.
Tracheal diseases can be categorized into several types, including:
1. Tracheitis: Inflammation of the trachea, often caused by viral or bacterial infections.
2. Tracheal stenosis: Narrowing of the trachea due to scarring, inflammation, or compression from nearby structures such as tumors or goiters.
3. Tracheomalacia: Weakening and collapse of the tracheal walls, often seen in newborns and young children but can also occur in adults due to factors like chronic cough, aging, or connective tissue disorders.
4. Tracheoesophageal fistula: An abnormal connection between the trachea and the esophagus, which can lead to respiratory complications and difficulty swallowing.
5. Tracheal tumors: Benign or malignant growths that develop within the trachea, obstructing airflow and potentially leading to more severe respiratory issues.
6. Tracheobronchial injury: Damage to the trachea and bronchi, often caused by trauma such as blunt force or penetrating injuries.
7. Congenital tracheal abnormalities: Structural defects present at birth, including complete tracheal rings, which can cause narrowing or collapse of the airway.
Symptoms of tracheal diseases may include cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. Treatment options depend on the specific condition and its severity but may involve medications, surgery, or other interventions to alleviate symptoms and improve respiratory function.
Bronchial diseases refer to medical conditions that affect the bronchi, which are the large airways that lead into the lungs. These diseases can cause inflammation, narrowing, or obstruction of the bronchi, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
Some common bronchial diseases include:
1. Asthma: A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes recurring episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing.
2. Chronic Bronchitis: A long-term inflammation of the bronchi that leads to a persistent cough and excessive mucus production.
3. Bronchiectasis: A condition in which the bronchi become damaged and widened, leading to chronic infection and inflammation.
4. Bronchitis: An inflammation of the bronchi that can cause coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness.
5. Emphysema: A lung condition that causes shortness of breath due to damage to the air sacs in the lungs. While not strictly a bronchial disease, it is often associated with chronic bronchitis and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
Treatment for bronchial diseases may include medications such as bronchodilators, corticosteroids, or antibiotics, as well as lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and avoiding irritants. In severe cases, oxygen therapy or surgery may be necessary.