Question 1

what are the possible causes of acquired tracheomalacia (not congenital) in toddler? vascular rings have been ruled out via ct scan & bronchoscopy.

Accepted Answer

Other studies: Here are some other studies that are sometimes done to investigate the cause tracheomalacia: airway fluoroscopy, barium swallow, pulmonary function tests

I'm assuming the child has never been intubated ( breathing tube) or had surgery in the area ( both can cause acquired tracheomalacia).

Sounds like your child is already seeing a pulmonoogist or ENT. That's who I would refer to.

Question 2

what are the symptoms of tracheomalacia?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory issues: Tracheomalacia is a weakness of the supportive cartilage of the windpipe (trachea) which can present as difficulty breathing (stridor) usually presenting during exercise or other exertion.

Question 3

tracheomalacia serious in infants?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: Airway issues in infants such as noisy breathing on inspiration can be due to a.

Question 4

tell me about tracheomalacia in infants?

Accepted Answer

Rubbery airway: The pipe like quality airways need to channel air is somewhat rubbery in kids. In some infants, the airway is so rubbery that it can cave in on itself like when you suck a straw too hard. The trachea, an airway gateway, can do this & produce quite a frightful noise any time these infants get worked up.The condition gradually improves with age & the worst cases may need a tracheotomy for a while.

Question 5

are tracheomalacia & bronchomalacia the same thing? or are they different?

Accepted Answer

No: Tracheomalacia: Flaccidity of the tracheal walls secondary to defective cartilaginous rings.

Bronchomalacia: Flaccidity of the bronchial wall secondary ot defective cartilageinous ring

These conditions can be primary, that is the cartilage is lacking or secondary due to compression on the cartilage. 
They are often together.

Question 6

what is tracheomalacia?

Accepted Answer

Tracheomalacia: Tracheomalacia is the collapsing of the trachea (the tube that brings air from the back of the throat to the lungs) with breathing in (inspiration).  The front part of the trachea has hard cartilage, and the back a soft membrane.  In patients with emphysema or other conditions, that soft part can collapse with inspiration causing a partial obstruction and difficulties breathing.

Question 7

what causes tracheomalacia?

Accepted Answer

Weak tracheal cartil: Weakening of the cartilage "rings" along the front of the trachea, which causes the trachea to flatten ... Some consider invagination of the soft back wall of the trachea also as tracheomalacia ... I disagree, but effect is same, narrowing of the tracheal lumen and some difficulty breathing.

Question 8

need info on tracheomalacia?

Accepted Answer

Tracheal flattening: Usually do to weakness of the cartilage "rings" along front wall of trachea.  Usually these cartilage rings are u-shaped and prop the trachea open.  Some call invagination of the soft back wall of trachea as tracheomalacia.  Not really, but has same effect of narrowing the tracheal opening.  In latter case, can place flat prosthesis to keep soft posterior wall from invaginating in.  Can also stent.

Question 9

what can  affect my tracheomalacia?

Accepted Answer

Forceful exhalation: Breathing out too forcefully can make the effect of tracheomalacia worse ... Also weight gain that causes the fat in the mediastinum around the trachea can compress the trachea more ...

Question 10

tracheomalacia, what is that caused by?

Accepted Answer

Rare: Tracheomalacia is a rare complication following prolonged endotracheal intubation for any reason and results from compromise of the arterial circulation due to prolonged mechanical compression of the inflated balloon against tracheal mucosa.  It takes weeks for this to occur so doesn't  happen routinely following heart bypass or other operations. Tracheostomy prevents it.

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Doctor answers about:

Congenital tracheomalacia

A member asked:

What are the possible causes of acquired tracheomalacia (not congenital) in toddler? vascular rings have been ruled out via ct scan & bronchoscopy.

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of tracheomalacia?

A member asked:

Tracheomalacia serious in infants?

A member asked:

Tell me about tracheomalacia in infants?

A member asked:

Are tracheomalacia & bronchomalacia the same thing? or are they different?

A member asked:

What is tracheomalacia?

A member asked:

What causes tracheomalacia?

A member asked:

Need info on tracheomalacia?

A member asked:

What can affect my tracheomalacia?

A member asked:

Tracheomalacia, what is that caused by?

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