II. Epidemiology
- Presents in infancy
III. Pathophysiology
- Weakness and softness of the trachea's cartilage and walls
- Abnormally soft cartilage more easily collapses, narrowing the trachea, especially with expiration
- May result in difficult clearance of airway secretions
IV. Causes
- Congenital (most common)
- Other congenital anomalies
- Tracheoesophageal fistula
- Vascular Ring
- Prolonged intubation
- Prolonged Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux disease
V. Signs
- Barking cough
- Expiratory Wheeze or expiratory Stridor
- Provocative factors (increase Wheezing)
VI. Diagnosis
- Bronchoscopy while child breathes spontaneously
VII. Management
- Consult pediatric pulmonology
- Supportive care (most cases)
- Severe Tracheomalacia
VIII. Course
- Self limited
- Improves by age 12 to 24 months
IX. References
- Mehta and Eliason (2024) Crit Dec Emerg Med 38(6): 27-35
- Benjamin (1984) Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 93:438-42 [PubMed]