Congenital tracheomalacia is a weakness and floppiness of the walls of the windpipe (trachea), which is present at birth.
Alternative Names
Type 1 tracheomalacia
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Tracheomalacia in a newborn occurs when the cartilage in the windpipe (trachea) has not developed properly. Instead of being rigid, the walls of the trachea are floppy. Because the windpipe is the main airway, breathing difficulties begin soon after birth.
Congenital tracheomalacia is very uncommon.
Review Date: 05/11/2009
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of
Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also
reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
