Tracheomalacia in Barranquilla, Colombia

What is tracheomalacia?

It is weakness of the tracheal walls, which collapse during breathing, especially when breathing out or coughing. It may be congenital, due to immature cartilage, or result from compression by blood vessels, esophageal surgery in children or prolonged intubation. When it also affects the bronchi it is called tracheobronchomalacia.

What symptoms does it cause?

Noisy breathing or wheezing that does not improve with inhalers, a very characteristic harsh, brassy, seal-like cough, repeated or slow-to-clear respiratory infections and, in severe cases, episodes of turning blue when crying, feeding or coughing.

How is it diagnosed?

With bronchoscopy, which shows the trachea collapsing during breathing. CT is sometimes added to look for vessel compression or malformations. It is often mistaken for asthma, so it should be suspected when asthma treatment does not work.

How is it treated?

Most children improve with growth as the trachea becomes firmer, usually in the first few years. Meanwhile, infections are treated promptly, respiratory therapy helps clear secretions and vaccines are kept up to date. Severe cases may need surgery or positive pressure support.

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