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Citation, DOI & article dataCitation: Radswiki, T., Parasuramar, A. Tracheal wall thickening. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org. (accessed on 08 Nov 2022) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-12101 Tracheal wall thickening may have several causes. For diagnostic purposes, tracheal thickening may be categorized by length of airway involvement in order to narrow the differential diagnoses. Note that some etiologies may be associated with either focal or diffuse pattern of involvement. Differential diagnosisFocal tracheal wall thickening
Diffuse tracheal wall thickening
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ReferencesPromoted articles (advertising)The trachea (windpipe) is the airway, a tube made up of cartilage (the firm tissue in the ear) which starts just below the larynx (voice box) and continues down behind the breastbone then splits into two smaller tubes, called bronchi, which lead to each lung. With normal breathing, as air is drawn into the lungs, the trachea grows wider and longer. An unhealthy or abnormal trachea, however, may behave differently. The trachea and bronchi can become narrowed or blocked for various reasons, including birth defects, inflammation, injury, or tumor. These conditions can seriously affect the ability to breathe. Types of Tracheal DiseaseThe two most common tracheal disorders are tracheal stenosis and tracheomalacia: Tracheal StenosisTracheal stenosis is narrowing of the trachea, and as such narrowing occurs, it is more difficult to draw air into the lungs. The degree of tracheal stenosis can range from mild to severe. Patients who have a more severe stenosis may require a tracheostomy tube inserted below the area of obstruction to be able to breathe. Causes Tracheal stenosis is most commonly caused by inflammation and scarring that follows intubation, insertion of a breathing tube into the trachea during surgery, or when there is the need for mechanical ventilation (respirator). It can also be caused by:
Symptoms Patients with tracheal stenosis do not always exhibit symptoms. However, a patient with tracheal stenosis may present with:
Treatment Depending on the severity, location, length and cause of tracheal stenosis, treatment options will vary. Some of the most common surgical options include the following:
TracheomalaciaTracheomalacia is a condition in which the cartilage in the wall of the trachea softens resulting in a floppy or weak airway that collapses with breathing and makes breathing difficult. Causes Tracheomalacia has multiple causes. Infants may be born with the disorder, or adults may develop it later on in life. The most common causes of tracheomalacia include:
Symptoms The symptoms of tracheomalacia include:
Treatment In many cases, tracheomalacia gradually improves without any treatment at all as the trachea becomes more rigid and less “floppy”. However, patients who suffer from frequent respiratory infections should be closely monitored. Their options for treatment may include the following:
Diagnosis of Tracheal DiseasesAfter completing a medical history and general physical examination, the physician may perform one or more of the following procedures to determine whether there might be tracheal stenosis or tracheomalacia present:
What disorders affect the trachea?There are two main types of tracheal disorders:. Tracheal stenosis is a narrowing of the trachea, or “windpipe,” that prevents air from fully reaching the lungs. ... . Tracheomalacia is a condition characterized by cartilage in the walls of the trachea that has broken down, semi-causing weakness or floppiness in the windpipe.. What are the symptoms of an inflamed trachea?Symptoms. Asthma (wheezing). Bluish tint to skin color, or in the mucous membrane of nose or mouth.. Coughing or hoarseness.. Coughing up blood.. Difficulty breathing.. Frequent cases of pneumonia or other upper respiratory infections.. Respiratory distress.. Shortness of breath.. Is tracheal stenosis life threatening?Is tracheal stenosis a fatal condition? Acquired tracheal stenosis, unlike congenital tracheal stenosis, typically isn't life-threatening. There are several surgical treatments that eliminate or ease tracheal stenosis symptoms.
What does tracheal stenosis feel like?In addition to a feeling of fatigue or a general feeling being unwell (malaise), the symptoms of tracheal stenosis typically are: Wheezing, coughing or shortness of breath, including difficulty breathing. A high-pitched squeal coming from your lungs when inhaling.
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