tracheomalacia
Pronunciation: TRAY-kee-oh-mah-LAY-sha
A condition where tracheal cartilage is soft and floppy, causing airway collapse during breathing.
Full Definition
Tracheomalacia is characterized by weakness and increased compliance of the tracheal cartilage, leading to dynamic collapse of the tracheal lumen during expiration or forced inspiration. This condition can be congenital or acquired and may be localized or affect the entire tracheal length. Symptoms include barking cough, stridor, wheezing, and recurrent respiratory infections. Severe cases may present with cyanotic episodes or apnea. Diagnosis is confirmed through bronchoscopy, and treatment ranges from conservative management to surgical interventions such as aortopexy or tracheal reconstruction.
Usage
Usage note: Often confused with tracheal stenosis; emphasize the dynamic nature of the obstruction.
In Context
- "Flexible bronchoscopy revealed severe tracheomalacia with greater than 75% luminal collapse." — Procedure report
- "The patient's recurrent croup-like symptoms were attributed to underlying tracheomalacia." — Clinical assessment