Tracheomalacia

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Lungs

Tracheomalacia

Treatment:

Those with tracheomalacia must be monitored very closely when they have respiratory infections. Most infants will respond well to humidified air, physical therapy, careful feedings, and antibiotics for infections.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may be necessary in patients with respiratory distress. Rarely, surgery is needed. For example, in the case of acquired tracheomalacia, stent placement to hold the airway open may be necessary.

Expectations (prognosis):

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Congenital tracheomalacia generally resolves on its own by age 18-24 months. As the tracheal cartilage strengthens and the trachea grows, the noisy respirations and breathing difficulties stop.

Complications:

Congenital tracheomalacia can be associated with other congenital abnormalities like defects of the heart, developmental delay, and gastroesophageal reflux.

Aspiration pneumonia can happen from inhaling food contents.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you or your child breathe in an abnormal manner. If breathing difficulties are present or develop, this can become an urgent or emergency condition.